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SING ; INSTANCES OF FALSE OR-} 
IOLATIONS OF THE RUL ES OF I 

SYNTAX j DEFECTS IN PUNCTUATION y 



THE Rt r LES RESPECTING- FERSPICUOl 

; FIT OF PRIVATE LEARNERS, 

^H AS WEIX A8 

WR THE USB OF SCHOOLS 



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ENGLISH EXERCISES, 

ADAPTED TO 
CONSISTING OF 

EXERCISES IN PARSING; INSTANCES OF FALSE ORTHO- 
GRAPHY ; VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES OF SYN- 
TAX; DEFECTS IN PUNCTUATION; 

AND 

VIOLATIONS OF THE RULES RESPECTING PERSPI- 
CUOUS AND ACCURATE WRITING. 
DESIGNED FOR THE 

BENEFIT OF PRIVATE LEARNERS, 

AS WELL AS 

FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. 



BY LINDLEY xMURRAY. 



FR031 B. k J. COLLINS'S STEREOTYPE EDITION 



NEW-YORK. 

PUBLISHED BY EVERT DUYCKINCiv, 

No. 68 Water-street. 

PRINTED BY D. FANSHAW, 
No. 20 Slote-Lane. 



1833* 






In IBxehang* 
Dake University 

jun 2 a 1932 



INTRODUCTION. 



1 HE principles of knowledge become most intelligible 
to young persons, when they are explained and inculcated 
by practical illustration and direction. This mode of teach- 
ing is attended with so many advantages, that it can scarce- 
ly be too much recommended; or pursued. Instruction 
which is enlivened by pertinent examples, and in which the 
pupil is exercised in reducing the rules prescribed to prac- 
tice, has a more striking effect on the mind, and is better 
adapted to fix the attention, and sharpen the understand- 
ing, than that which is divested of these aids, and confined 
to bare positions and precepts ; in which it too frequently 
happens that the learner has no further concern, than to 
read and repeat them. The time and care employed in 
practical application, give occasion to survey the subject 
minutely, and in different points of view ; by which it be- 
comes more known and familiar, and produces stronger 
and more durable impressions. 

These observations are peculiarly applicable to the study 
of grammar, and the method of teaching it. The rules 
require frequent explanation ; and, besides direct elucida- 
tion, they admit of examples erroneously constructed, for 
exercising the student's sagacity and judgment. To rectif\ 
these, attention and reflection are requisite ; and the know- 
ledge of the rule necessarily results from the study and cor- 
rection of the sentence. But these are not all the advan- 
tages which arise from Grammatical Exercises. By dis- 
covering their own abilities to detect and amend errors, and 
their consequent improvement, the scholars become pleased 
with their studies, and are animated to proceed, and sur- 
mount the obstacles which occur in their progress. The 
instructer, too, is relieved and encouraged in his labours. 
By discerning exactly the powers and improvement of his # 
pupils, he perceives the proper season for advancing them ;* 
and by observing the points in which they are deficient. 
he knows precisely where to apply his directions and 
explanations. 

These considerations have induced the Compiler to col- 



IV INTRODUCTION. 

lect and arrange a variety of erroneous examples, adapted 
to the different rules and instructions of English Grammar, 
and to the principles of perspicuous and accurate writing. 
It has not indeed been usual, to make Grammatical Exer- 
cises, in our language, very numerous and extensive ; but 
if the importance and usefulness of them be as great as 
they are conceived to be, no apology will be necessary for 
the large field of employment, which the following work 
presents to the student of English Grammar. If he be de- 
tained longer than is common in this part of his studies, the 
probable result of it, an accurate and intimate knowledge 
of the subject, will constitute an ample recompense. 

The reader will perceive that some of the rules and ob- 
servations, under the part of Syntax, contain a much 
greater number of examples than others. This has arisen 
lrom the superior importance of those rules, and from the 
variety requisite to illustrate them properly. When a few 
instances afford sufficient practice on the rule, the student 
is not fatigued with a repetition of examples, which would 
cast no new light on the subject. 

In selecting the instances of false construction, the Com- 
] >iler has studied to avoid those that are glaringly erroneous, 
and to fix upon such only as frequently occur in writing or 
speaking. If there be any of a different complexion, it is 
j i- ;med that they are but few, and that they will be found 
under those rules only, which, from the nature of them, 
co#d not have been otherwise clearly exemplified to young 
persons. The examples applicable to the principal notes 
and observations, are carefully -arranged under the respec- 
tive rules of Syntax ; and regularly numbered to make 
them correspond to the subordinate rules in the Grammar. 
As many of the examples contain several errors in the 
same sentence, and some of them admit of various con- 
structions in amending them, it has been thought proper to 
publish a Key for ascertaining all the corrections ; and this 
has been the more expedient from the work's being designed 
far the benefit of private learners, as well as for the use of 
schools. The Key to the part on Orthography might have 
been omitted, had not some of the sentences contained so 
many words erroneously spelled, as to render it probable that 
several of them would, in that case, have been inadvertently 
passed over : especially by persons who may not have the 



INTRODUCTION. V 

advantage of a tutor. In forming the Key, it appeared to 
be more eligible, to repeat the sentences at large, with their 
corrections, than simply to exhibit the amendments by 
themselves. In the mode adopted, the work has a more 
regular and uniform appearance ; the correspondent parts 
may be more readily compared ; and the propriety of the 
corrections will be more apparent and striking. 

In a work which consists entirely of examples, and with 
which the learners will, consequently, be much occupied 
and impressed, the compiler would have deemed himself 
culpable, had he exhibited such sentences as contained ideas 
inapplicable to young minds, or which were of a trivial or 
injurious nature. He has, therefore, been solicitous to 
avoid all exceptionable matter ; and to improve his work, 
fey blending moral and useful observations with Gram- 
matical studies. Even sentiments of a pious and reli- 
gious nature, have not been thought improper to be occa- 
sionally inserted irt these Exercises. The understanding 
and sensibility of young persons, are much underrated by 
those who think them incapable of comprehending and 
relishing this kind of instruction. The sense and love of 
goodness are early and deeply implanted in the human 
mind ; and often, by their infant energies, surprise the in- 
telligent observer : — why, then, should not these emotions 
find their proper support and incentives among the ele- 
ments of learning ? Congenial sentiments, thus disposed, 
besides making permanent impressions, may serve to cherish 
and expand those generous principles ; or, at least, to pre- 
pare them for regular operation, at a future period. The 
importance of exhibiting to the youthful mind, the deformi- 
ties of vice ; and of giving it just and animating views of 
piety and virtue, makes it not only warrantable, but our 
duty alsOjto embrace every proper occasion to promote, in 
any degree, these valuable ends. 

In presenting the learner with so great a number of ex- 
amples, it was difficult to preserve them from too mucli 
uniformity. The Compiler has, however, been studious to 
give them an arrangement and diversity, as agreeable as the 
nature of the subject would admit: and to render them in- 
teresting, as well as intelligible and instructive, to young 
persons. 

Huhlgate* near York, 1797- 
A 2 



ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE SEVENTH EDITION.* 

The Author of this volume of Exercises, perceiving 
that it has been well received by the public, and that the 
demand for it still continues to increase, has felt it incum- 
bent upon him, to give the seventh edition every improve- 
ment in his power, without enhancing the price of the book. 

Besides expunging some obscure and uninteresting sen- 
tences ; inserting a number of examples adapted to the 
latest improvements in the grammar ; and adding to the 
Syntax many useful exercises, he has subjoined to the part 
designed to promote pespicuous and accurate ivriting^ a 
vi hole chapter (twelve pages) of promiscuous exercises, 
peculiarly adapted to this subject. As every other general 
division of the book was provided with a chapter of this 
nature, it is presumed that teachers and private students 
will approve of an addition so necessary to complete the 
plan of the work. It is calculated, at once, to confirm the 
learner in perspicuous and accurate writing, and improve 
his taste for elegant composition. 

In all the additional exercises to this part of the book, 
the author has been careful to exhibit no inaccuracies but 
such as are frequently found in respectable writings. The 
display of vulgar and glaring errors, which no persons of 
educaiion ever commit, would not be proper for a work of 
this nature, and could not foil to produce disapprobation 
and disgust* 



ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE TENTH EDITION. 

One of the chief improvements, made in the tenth edi- 
tion of this work, consists in the adaptation of it, through- 
out, to an objective case of nouns. This case was adopted 
In the twelfth edition of the Grammar ; and it is, therefore, 



* The improvements made in the eighth edition, consist, chiefly. 
of" General Directions for using- the Exercises," aud of anew, en* 
larsed system of Exercises hi Parsing, 



ADVERTISEMENT. V1J 

indispensable, that the Exercises should conform to the 
alteration.* 

As there are some teachers who doubt the propriety of 
presenting exercises of bad English to youth of the junior 
classes, it seems proper in this place to make a few obser- 
vations on the subject. 

The author is persuaded, that exercises of this nature 
cannot be too soon engaged in by the student of grammar*. 
Simple rules, and examples of rectitude, make light im- 
pression, compared with the effect of contrast, in which 
errors and corrections are opposed to each other. A child 
generally sees and hears so many instances of erroneous 
construction, that, unless he is early taught to distinguish 
and correct them, his imitative powers will be more influ- 
enced by error than by rectitude. Besides, children, in 
detecting and amending errors, feel their own powers; and 
tiowever small the exercise may be, it is a most pleasing 
and animating incentive to application and study. What 
they learn in this way, will not only gratify them : it will 
also improve their judgment and sagacny, and be long and 
accurately remembered. 

On these grounds, it is evident, that the practice of cor- 
recting errors, should be introduced into the early stages of 
grammatical studies. Instead of exposing children to " the 
danger of evil communication,' , ' , as some ingenious persons 
have supposed, it seems to be the best means of teaching 
them, first, to discover the irregularities, and then, to avoid 
the contagion, of bad examples. 



ADVERTISEMENT 

TO THE TWELFTH EDITION. 

The reader will perceive, that a number of Notes and 
Critical Discussions has been inserted in appropriate parts 
of the Exercises and the Key. This was occasioned by the 
Grammar's having been set up y and not admitting of en- 
largement without an advance of its price. The authoi 
has. however, taken care to make proper references, under 

: ' See the reasons in favour of an Objective case for English 
noups, at'Dage 50, 01, of the Twelfth, er jury subsequent edUion oi 

tUe tUA'.tUlKU. 



VIII GENERAL DIRECTIONS. 

tine correspondent rules in the Grammar, to all those addi- 
tional notes and discussions. To this mode of supplying 
improvements, the reader will have the less objection, when 
fie considers, that the Exercises and the Key are necessary 
appendages to the Grammar; and serve to illustrate and 
enforce, as well as to extend, its rules and positions. The 
three volumes are indeed intimately connected ; and con- 
stitute one uniform system of English Grammar. 

To the Tenth edition of the Key, the author has added 
an Apologetical Preface, accounting for the additions and 
variations which are to be found in the different editions 
©f his grammatical works. He has also annexed to that 
edition of the Key, a copious Alphabetical Index to the 
Grammar, the Exercises, and the Key; a work which he 
flatters himself will be generally useful ; and particularly- 
acceptable to students who have made some progress in the 
knowledge of Grammar. 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS 

FOR USING THE EXERCISES. 

1. As soon as the learner has committed to memory 
the definitions of the article and substantive, as expressed 
in the Grammar, he should be employed in parsing those 
parts of speech, as they are arranged in this volume of the 
Exercises. 

2. The learner should proceed, in this manner, through 
all the definitions of the parts of speech contained in ety- 
mology, regularly parsing the exercises on one definition, 
before he applies to another. 

3. As the pupil will then be able to understand all the 
rules in orthography, he should be directed to correct, in 
regular order, the orthographical exercises attached to the 
particular rules. 

4. In this stage of his progress, he may vary his em- 
ployment, by occasionally parsing the promiscuous exer- 
cises, contained in the ninth section of the chapter of Ety- 
mological Parsing, and by writing the plurals of nouns, <i f c. 
in the eighth section of the same chapter. 

5. When the first rule of syntax is committed to memory, 
the correspondent exercise in parsing should be perform efcl. 
Then the sentences of false syntax, under the rule, sh#uM 



GENERAL DIRECTIONS. IS 

be corrected, in writing. In this manner, both as to parsing 
and correcting, all the rules of syntax should be treated, 
proceeding regularly according to their order. The pupil 
may now be, occasionally, employed in correcting the pro- 
miscuous exercises in orthography. 

6. The preceding directions (except those upon ortho- 
graphy) respect only the leading rules of the Grammar^ 
which are printed in the larger type. When the exercises 
on those general rules are completed, and not before, the 
learner is to apply to the first subordinate rule, contained 
in the smaller type. He is to read it very attentively, as- 
sisted by the teacher's explanations ; and afterwards cor- 
rect, in writing, the false construction of the exercises 
belonging to it. Thus, he is to proceed, rule by rule, till 
the whole is finished.* The learner should now be, occa- 
sionally, employed in parsing the promiscuous exercises^ 
contained in the eighth section of the chapter on Syntacti- 
cal Parsing. 

7. When the student has corrected all the exercises ap- 
propriated to the particular rules, he should regularly pro- 
ceed to rectify the promiscuous exercises, in syntax and 
punctuation. In this employ, he should write over each 
correction, the number of the rule, principal or subordinate^ 
by which he conceives the correction ought to be made. 

8. After this progress, the learner will be qualified to enter 
on the exercises respecting perspicuous and accurate writing. 
In this part, he is to proceed in a manner as similar to the 
preceding directions as the subject will admit. 

9. When all the exercises have been regularly corrected., 
in writing, it would tend to perfect the pupil's knowledge 
of the rules, and to give him an habitual dexterity in apply- 
ing them, if he were occasionally desired to correct, verbal- 
ly, erroneous sentences purposely selected from different 
parts of the book ; to recite the rules by which they are 
governed ; and, in his own language, to detail the reasons 
on which the corrections are founded. The following ex- 
amples will give the student an idea of the manner in which 
he is to make the verbal corrections. 

u The man is prudent which speaks little." 

* The pupil ought to review every leading rule, and again rectify 
a few of the sentences under it, before he eaters ou its subordina'i 
rules and their correspondent exercises. 



X GENERAL DIRECTIONS'. 

This sentence is incorrect ; because which is a pronoun 
of the neuter gender, and does not agree in gender with 
its antecedent man, which is masculine. But a pronoun 
should agree with its antecedent, in gender, &c. according 
to the fifth rule of syntax. Which should therefore be 
icho, a relative pronoun, agreeing with its antecedent man $ 
and the sentence should stand thus : " The man is prudent 
who speaks little." 

" After I visited Europe, I returned to America." 

This sentence is not correct ; because the verb visited 
is in the imperfect tense, and yet used here to express an 
action, not only past, but prior to the time referred to by 
the verb returned, to which it relates. By the thirteenth 
rule of syntax, when verbs are used that, in point of time ? 
relate to each other, the order of time should be observed. 
The imperfect tense visited should, therefore, have been 
had visited, in the pluperfect tense, representing the action 
of visiting, not only as past, but also as prior to the time 
of returning. The sentence corrected would stand thus : 
Ci After I had visited Europe, I returned to America." 

" This was the cause, which first gave rise to such a bar- 
barous practice." 

This sentence is inaccurate. The words Jtrst and rise 
have here the same meaning ; and the word such is not pro- 
perly applied. The word signifies of that kind : but the 
author does not refer to a kind or species of barbarity. He 
means a degree of it : and therefore the word so, instead 
of such, ought to have been used. The words cause and 
gave rise, are also tautological : one of them should, con- 
sequently, be omitted. The sentence corrected would 
stand thus : u This was the original cause of so barbarous 
a practice ; or " of a practice so barbarous." 

10. As parsing is an exercise of great importance to the 
pupil, it should be continued, regularly, through the whole 
course of his grammatical instruction. 

11. To the learner who has not the aid of a teacher, the 
Key is indispensable. But it should, on no occasion, be 
consulted, till the sentence which is to be rectified, has 
been well considered, and has received the learner f s best, 
correction. 



CONTENTS. 

PART I. 

Exercises in Parsing. 

Page, 

Chap. 1. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects 

Etymology alone 1 

2. Exercises in Parsing, as it respects 

both Etymology and Syntax . 10 

PART II. 

Exercises in Orthography. 

Chap. 1, Instances of false Orthography, ar- 
ranged under the respective Rules 30 
2. Instances of false Orthography, pro- 
miscuously disposed .... 36 

PART. III. 

Exercises in Syntax. 

Chap. 1. Instances of false Syntax, disposed 

under the particular Rules . . 48 
2. Instances of false Syntax, promiscu- 
ously disposed 9S 

PART. IV. 

Exercises in Punctuation. 

Chap. 1. Sentences which require the applica- 
tion of the Comma, disposed under 
the particular Rules .... 1 14 

2. Sentences which require the inser- 

tion of the Semicolon and Comma 122 

3. Sentences requiring the application 

of the Colon, he 123 



Sll CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Chap. 4. Sentences which require the inser- 
tion of the Period .... 125 

5. Sentences requiring the application 

of the Dash ; of the Notes of In- 
terrogation and Exclamation ; and 
of the Parenthetical Characters 126 

6. Promiscuous instances of defective 

Punctuation 128 

PART V. 

Exercises to promote perspicuous and accurate 
Writing. 

First, With respect to single Words and Phrases. 

Chap. 1. Violations of the Rules of Purity 139 

2. Violations of the Rules of Propriety 141 

3. Violations of the Rules of Precision 148 

Secondly, With respect to the construction of 
Sentences. 

Chap. 1. Sentences in which the Rules of 

Clearness are violated . . . 150 

2. Sentences in which the Rules of Uni- 

ty are violated 156 

3. Sentences in which the Rules for 

promoting the strength of a sen- 
tence are violated 159 

4. Instances of an irregular use of Fi- 

gures of Speech 170' 

3. Violations of the Rules respecting 
perspicuous and accurate writing, 
promiscuously disposed . . . 173 

APPENDIX. 

Chap. 1. On transposing the members of a 

sentence 185 

2. On variety of expression . . . 188 



PART I. 
EXERCISES IN PARSING. 

CHAP. I. 

Exercises in Parsing, as it respects Etymology 
alone. 

See the Grammar, p. 195. 



SECT. I. 

Etymological Parsing Table. 

WHAT part of Speech ? 
i. An article. What kind ? Why? 
% A substantive. Common or proper? What gen 
der ? Number ? Case ? Why ? 

3. An adjective. What degree of comparison ? T(* 

what does it belong ? Why an adjective? 

4. *2 pronoun. What kind? Person? Gender? 

Number? Case? Why? 

5. A verb. What kind ? Mood? Tense? Number: 

Person ? Why ? If a participle, Why ? ac- 
tive or passive ? 
0. An adverb. Why is it an adverb ? 

7. A preposition. Why a preposition ? 

8. A conjunction. Why ? 
0. «2ty interjection. Why ? 

D 



2 EXERCISES. 

SECT. II. 

Specimen of Etymological Parsing. 

"Hope animates us." 

Hopeis a common substantive, of the neuter gen- 
der, the third person, in the singular number, and 
the nominative esse. [Decline the substantive."] Ani- 
mates is a regular verb active, indicative mood, pre- 
sent tense, third person singular. [Repeat the pre- 
sent tense, the imperfect tense, and the perfect par- 
ticiple ; and sometimes conjugate the verb entirely.] 
Us is a personal pronoun, first person plural, and in 
the objective case. [Decline the pronoun.] 

"A peaceful mind is virtue's reward." 

A is the indefinite article. Peaceful ■ is an adjective 
[Repeat the degrees of comparison.] JMind is a com- 
mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third 
person, in the singular number, and the nominative 
case. [Decline the substantive.] Is is an irregular 
verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, and the 
third person singular. [Repeat the present tense, the 
imperfect tense, and the participle, and occasion- 
ally ^conjugate the verb entirely.] Virtues is a com- 
mon substantive, of the neuter gender, the third 
person, in the singular number, and the possessive 
case. [Decline the substantive.] Reward is a common 
substantive, of thaneuter gender, the third person* 
in the singular number, and the nominative case. 

SECT. III. 

Article and Substantive. 

A bush An abbess 

A tree An owl 



A flower 

An apple 

An orange 

An almond 

A hood 

A house 

A hunter 

An hour 

An honour 

An hostler 

The garden 

The fields 

The rainbow 

The clouds 

The scholar's duty 

The horizon 

Virtue 

The vices 

Temperance 

A variety 

George 

The Rhine 

A prince 

A rivulet 

The Hamber 

Gregory 

The Pope 

An inclination 

The undertaking 

Penelope 

Constancy 

An entertainment 

A fever 

The stars 

A comet 

A miracle 

A prophecy 

Depravity 



A building 

The weaver's company 

Europe 

The sciences 

Yorkshire 

The planets 

The sun 

A volume 

Parchment 

The pens 

A disposition 

Benevolence 

An oversight 

A design 

The governess 

An ornament 

The girls' school* 

A grammar 

Mathematics 

The elements 

An earthquake 

The king's prerogative 

Africa 

The continent 

Roundness 

A declivity 

Blackness 

An elevation 

The conqueror 

An Alexander 

Wisdom 

America 

The Cajsars 

The Thames 

A river 

The shadows 

A vacancy 

The hol^y 



EXERCISES. 



The constitution 

The laws 

Beauty 

A consumption 



An idea 
A whim 
Something 
Nothing 



SECT. IV. 



Article, Adjective, and Substantive. 



A good heart. 
A wise head. 
A strong body. 
An obedient son. 
A diligent scholar. 
A happy parent. 
Shady trees. 
A fragrant flower. 
The verdant fields. 
A peaceful mind. 
Composed thoughts. 
A serene aspect. 
An affable deportment. 
The whistling winds. 
A dignified character. 
A pleasing address. 
An open countenance. 
The candid reasoner. 
Fair proposals. 
A mutual agreement. 
A plain narrative. 
An historical fiction. 
Relentless war. 
An obdurate heart. 
Tempestuous passions. 
A temper unhappy. 
A sensual mind. 
The babbling brook 
A limpid stream. 



A boisterous sea. 
The howling tempest. 
A gloomy cavern. 
Rapid streams. 
Unwholesome dews. 
A severe winter. 
A useless drone. 
The industrious bees. 
Harmless doves. 
The careless ostrich. 
The dutiful stork. 
The spacious firmament. 
Cooling breezes. 
A woman amiable. 
A free government. 
The diligent farmer. 
A fruitful field. 
The crowning harvest. 
A virtuous conflict. 
A final reward. 
Peaceful abodes. 
The noblest prospect. 
A profligate life. 
A miserable end. 
Regions gloomy. 
An incomprehensible sub- 
ject. 
A controverted point. 
The cool sequestered valp 



The devious walk. 
A winding canal. 
The serpentine river. 
A melancholy fact. 
An interesting history. 
A happier life. 
The woodbine's fra 

grance. 
A cheering prospect. 
An harmonious sound. 
Fruit delicious. 
The sweetest incense. 
An odorous garden. 
The sensitive plant. 
A convenient mansion. 
Warm clothing. 
A temperate climate. 
Wholesome aliment. 
An affectionate parent. 



A garden enclosed. 

The ivy -mantled tower. 

Virtue's fair form. 

A mahogany table. 

Sweet-scented myrtle. 

A resolution wise, noble, 
disinterested. 

Consolation's lenient 
hand. 

A better world. 

A cheerful, good old man. 

A silver tea-urn. 

Tender-looking charity. 

My brother's wife's mo- 
ther. 

A book of my friend's. 

An animating, well-found- 
ed hope. 



SECT. V. 



Pronoun and Verb, fyc. 



I am sincere. 

Thou art industrious. 

He is disinterested. 

We honour them. 

You encourage us. 

They commend her. 

Thou dost improve. 

Me assisted me. 

We completed our jour- 
ney. 

Our hopes did flatter us. 

They have deceived me. 

Your expectation has 
failed. 

B 



Kuow yourselves, i 

Let them advance. 

They may offend. 

I can forgive. 

He might surpass them. 

We could overtake him. 

I would be happy. 

You should repent. 

He may have deceived 

me. 
They may have forgot 

ten. 
Thou mightst have ibv 

proved. 



EXERCISES. 



The accident had hap- 
pened. 

He had resigned himself. 

Their fears will detect 
them. 

You shall submit. 

They will obey us. 

Good humour shall pre- 
vail. 

He will have determined. 

We shall have agreed. 

Let ine depart. 

Do you instruct him. 

Prepare your lessons. 

Let him consider. 

Let us improve ourselves. 

We have been rewarded. 

She had been admired. 

Virtue will be rewarded. 

The person will have 
been executed when 
the pardon arrives. 

Let him be animated. 

Be you entreated. 

Let them be prepared. 

It can be enlarged. 

You may be discovered. 

He might be convinced. 

It would be caressed. 

I may have been deceiv- 
ed. 

They might have been 
honoured. 

To be trusted, we must 
be virtuous. 

To have been admired, 
availed him little. 



We should have consi- 
dered. 

To see the sun is pleasant. 

To live well is honoura- 
ble. 

To have conquered him- 
self was his highest 
praise. 

Promoting others' wel- 
fare they advanced 
their own interest. 

He lives respected. 

Having resigned his of- 
fice, he retired. 

They are discouraged. 

He was condemned. 

The book is his ; it was 
mine. 

These are your's, those 
are ours. 

Our hearts are deceitful. 

Your conduct met their 
approbation. 

None met who could 
avoid it. 

His esteem is my honour. 

Her work does her cre- 
dit. 

Each* must answer the 
question. . 

Every heart knows its 
own sorrows. 

Which was his choice ? 

It was neither. 

Hers is finished, thine is 
to do. 

This is what I feared. 



Ridiculed, despised, per- That is the thing which I 

secuted, he maintained desired. 

his principles. Who can preserve him- 
Being reviled, we bless. self ? 

Having been deserted, he Whose books are these ? 

became discouraged. Whom have we served ? 

The sight being new, he Some are negligent, 

startled. others industrious. 

This uncouth figure star- One may deceive one's 

tied him. self. 

I have searched, I have All have a talent to irn- 

foundit. prove. 

They searched those Can any dispute it ? 

rooms ; he was gone. Such is our condition. 

SECT. VI. 

ddverb, Preposition, Conjunction, and Interjection. 

I have seen him once, Where shall we stop ? 

perhaps twice. Mentally and bodily, we 

Thirdly, and lastly, I shall are curiously and won- 

conclude. derfully formed. 

This plant is found here, They travelled through 

and elsewhere. France, in haste, to- 

Only to-day is properly "wards Italy. 

ours. From virtue to vice, the 

The task is already per- progress is gradual. 

formed. By diligence and frugal- 

We could not serve him ity we arrive at corn- 
then, but we will here- petency. 

after. We are often below our 

We often resolve, but sel- wishes and above our 

dom perform. desert. 

He is much more promis- Some things make for 

ing now than formerly. him, and others against 
When will thev arrive ? him. 



S EXERCISES. 

We are wisely and hap- By this imprudence he 

pily directed. was plunged into new 

He has certainly been di- difficulties. 

ligent, and he will pro- Without the aid of chari- 

bably succeed. ty, he supported himself 

How sweetly the birds with credit. 

sing ! Of his talents much might 

Why art thou so heed- be said ; concerning his 

less f integrity, nothing. 

He is little attentive, nay, On all occasions, she be- 
absolutely stupid. haved with propriety. 
We in vain look for a Neither prosperity nor 

path between virtue and adversity has improved 

vice. him. 

He lives within his in- He can acquire no virtue, 

come. unless he make some 

The house was sold at a sacrifices. 

great price, and above Let him that standeth 

its value. take heed lest he fall. 

She came down stairs If thou wert his superior,. 

slowly, but went briskly thou shouldst not have 

up again. boasted. 

His father, and mother, He will be detected, 

and uncle, reside at though he deny the 

Rome. fact. 

We must be temperate, if If he has promised, he 

we would be healthy. should act accordingly. 

He is as old as his class- She will transgress, un- 

mate,butnotso learned. less she be admonished. 
Charles is esteemed be- If he were encouraged he 

cause he is both dis- would amend. 

creet and benevolent. Though he condemn me. 
We will stay till he arrives. I will respect him. 
He retires to rest soon, Their talents are more 

that he may rise early. brilliant than useful. 
We ought to be thankful, Notwithstanding his po- 

for we have received verty, he is a wise and 

much. worthy person. 



PARSING. 9 

Though he is often ad- If our desires are mode- 
vised, yet he does not rate, our wants will be 
reform. few. 

Reproof either softens or Hope often amuses, but 
hardens its object. seldom satisfies us. 

Though he is lively, yet Hark ! how sweetly the 
he is not volatile. woodlark sings ! 

peace, how desirable Ab! the delusions of hope, 
thou art ! Hail, simplicity ! source 

1 have been often occu- of genuine joy. 

pied, alas ! with trifles. Behold, how pleasant it 
Strange ! that we should is for brethren to dwell 

be so infatuated. together in unity ! 

Oh ! the humiliations to Welcome again, my long 

which vice reduces us. lost friend ! 

SECT. VII. 

JLfew instances of the same word's constituting several 
of the parts of speech. 

Calm was the day, and He laboured to still the 

the scene delightful. tumult. 

We may expect a calm Still waters are commonly 

after a storm. deepest 

To prevent passion, is Damp air is unwhole- 

easier than to calm it. some. 
Better is a little with con- Guilt often casts a damp 

tent than a great deal over our sprightliest 

with anxiety. hours. 

The gay and dissolute Soft bodies damp the 

think little of the mise- sound much more than 

ries which are stealing hard ones. 

softly after them. Tho' she is rich and fair, 

A little attention will rec- yet she is not amiable. 

tify some errors. They are yet young, and 

Though he is out of dan- must suspend their 

ger, he is still afraid. judgment yet a while. 



10 EXERCISES. 

Many persons are better Behave yourselves like 

than we suppose them men. 

to be. We are teo apt to like 

The few and the many pernicious company. 

have their preposses- He may go or stay as he 

sions. likes. 

Few days pass without They strive to learn. 

some clouds. He goes to and fro. 

Much money is corrupt- To his wisdom we owe 

ing. our privilege. 

Think much, and speak The proportion is ten to 

little. one'. 

He has seen much of the He has served them with 

world, and been much his utmost ability. 

caressed. When we do our utmost, 

His years are more than no more is required. 

hers ; but he has not I will submit, for I know 

more knowledge. submission brings peace. 

The more we are blessed, It is for our health to be 

the more grateful we temperate. 

should be. O ! for better times. 

The desire of getting I have a regard for him. 

more is rarely satis- He is esteemed, both on 

fied. his own account, and 

He has equal knowledge, on that of his parents. 

but inferior judgment. Both _pf them deserve 
She is his inferior in praise. 

sense, but his equal in Yesterday was a fine day. 

prudence. I rode out yesterday. 

Every being loves its like. I shall write to-morrow. 
We must make a like To-morrow may be 

space between the lines. brighter than to to-day. 



11 



SECT. VIII. 

Nouns, Adjectives, and Verbs, to be declined, com- 
pared, and conjugated. 

Write, in the nominative case plural, the follow- 
ing nouns: apple, plum, orange, bush, tree, plant, 
convenience, disorder, novice, beginning, defeat, 
protuberance. 

Write the following substances, in the nomina- 
tive case plural ; cry, fly, cherry, fancy, glory, duty, 
boy, folly, play, lily, toy, conveniency. 

Write the following nouns in the possessive case 
singular : boy, girl, man, woman, lake, sea, church, 
lass, beauty, sister, bee, branch. 

Write the following in the nominative case plural : 
loaf, sheaf, self, muff, knife, stuff, wife, staff, wolf, 
half, calf, shelf, life. 

Write the following in the possessive case plural : 
brother, child, man, woman, foot, tooth, ox, mouse, 
goose, penny. 

Write the following nouns in the nominative and 
possessive cases plural : wife, chief, die, staff, city, 
river, proof, archer, master, crutch, mouth, baker, 
distaff. 

Write the possessive singular and plural of the 
pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, who, and other. 

Write the objective cases, singular and plural, of 
the pronouns, I, thou, he, she, it, and who. 

Compare the following adjectives : fair, grave, 
bright, long, short, tall, white, deep, strong, poor, 
rich, great. 

Compare the following adjectives : amiable, mo- 
derate, disinterested, favourable, grateful, studious, 
attentive, negligent, industrious, perplexing. 

Write the following adjectives, in the comparative 



12 EXERCISES. 

degree : near, far, little, low, good, indifferent, bad, 
worthy, convenient. 

Write the following adjectives in the superlative 
degree : feeble, bold, good, ardent, cold, bad, base, 
little, strong, late, near, content. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the indicative 
mood, present tense : beat, gain, read, eat, walk, 
desire, interpose. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the potential 
mood, imperfect tense: fear, hope, dream, fly, con- 
sent, improve, controvert. 

Conjugate the following verbs in the subjunctive 
mood, perfect tense : drive, prepare, starve, omit, 
indulge, demonstrate. 

Conjugate the following words in the imperative 
mood : believe, depart, invent, give, abolish, con* 
trive. 

Write the following verbs in the infinitive mood, 
present and perfect tenses : grow, decrease, live, 
prosper, separate, incommode. 

Write the present, perfect, and compound parti- 
ciples, of the following verbs : confess, disturb, 
please, know, begin, sit, set, eat, lie, lay. 

Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative 
mood, present and perfect tenses of the passive 
voice : honour, abase, amuse, slight, enlighten, dis- 
please, envelop, bereave. 

Conjugate the following verbs, in the indicative 
mood, pluperfect and first future tenses : fly, con- 
trive, know, devise, choose, come, see, go, eat, 
grow, bring, forsake. 

Write the following verbs in the present and im- 
perfect tenses of the potential and subjunctive 
moods : know, shake, heat, keep, give, blow, be- 
stow, beseech. 

Write the following verbs in the indicative mood, 
imperfect and second future tenses, of the passive 



PARSING. 13 

voice ; slay, draw, crown, throw, defeat, grind, hear, 
divert. 

Write the following verbs in the second and third 
persons singular of all the tenses in the indicative 
and subjunctive moods : approve, condemn, mourn, 
freeze, know, arise, drive, blow, investigate. 

Form the following verbs in # the infinitive and 
imperative moods, with their participles, all in the 
passive voice : embrace, draw, defeat, smite. 

SECT. IX. 

Promiscuous Exercises in Etymological Parsing. 

In your whole behaviour, be humble and obliging. 

Virtue is the universal charm. 

True politeness has its seat in the heart. 

We should endeavour to please, rather than to 
shine and dazzle. 

Opportunities occur daily for strengthening in 
ourselves the habits of virtue. 

Compassion prompts us to relieve the wants of 
others. 

A good mind is unwilling to give pain to either 
man or beast. 

Peevishness and passion often produce, from tri- 
fles, the most serious mischiefs. 

Discontent often nourishes passions, equally ma- 
lignant in the cottage and in the palace. 

A great proportion of human evils is created by 
ourselves. 

A passion for revenge has always been consider- 
ed as the mark of a little and mean mind. 

If greatness flatters our vanity, it multiplies our 
dangers. 

To our own failings we are commonly blind. 

The friendships of young persons are often 
founded on capricious likings. 
C 



14 EXERCISES. 

In your youthful amusements, let no unfairness 
be found. 

Engrave on your minds this sacred rule ; " Do 
unto others as you wish that they should do unto 
you." 

Truth and candour possess a powerful charm : 
they bespeak universal favour. 

After the first departure from sincerity it is sel- 
dom in our power to stop : one artifice generally 
leads on to another. 

Temper the vivacity of youth with a proper mix- 
ture of serious thought. 

The spirit of true religion is social, kind, and 
cheerful. 

Let no compliance with the intemperate mirth of 
others ever betray you into profane sallies. 

In preparing for another world, we must not 
neglect the duties of this life. 

The manner in which we employ our present 
time may decide our future happiness or misery. 

Happiness does not grow up of its own accord : 
it is the fruit of long cultivation, and the acquisition 
of labour and care. 

A plain understanding is often joined with great 
worth. 

The brightest parts are sometimes found without 
virtue or honour. 

How feeble are the attractions of the fairest form, 
when nothing within corresponds to them! 

Piety and virtue are particularly graceful and be- 
coming in youth. 

Can we, untouched by gratitude, view that 
profusion of good which the Divine hand pours 
around us? 

There is nothing in human life more amiable and 
respectable, than \he character of a truly humble 
and benevolent man. 



PARSING. 15 

What feelings are more uneasy and distressful, 
than the workings of sour and angry passions ? 

No man can be active in disquieting others, who 
does not, at the same time, disquiet himself. 

A life of pleasure and dissipation is an enemy to 
health, fortune, and character. 

To correct the spirit of discontent, let us consider 
how little we deserve, and how much we enjoy. 

As far as happiness is to be found on earth, we 
must look for it, not in the world or the things of 
the world ; but within ourselves, in our temper, and 
in our heart. 

Though bad men attempt to turn virtue into ridi- 
cule, they honour it at the bottom of their hearts. 

Of what small moment to our real happiness are 
many of those injuries which draw forth our resent- 
ment. 

In the moments of eager contention every thing 
is magnified and distorted in its appearance. 

Multitudes of the most obscure stations, are not 
less eager in their petty broils, nor less tormented by 
their passions, than if princely honours were the 
prize for which they contend. 

The smooth stream, the serene atmosphere, the 
mild zephyr, are the proper emblems of a gentle 
temper, and a peaceful life. Among the sons of 
strife, all is loud and tempestuous. 



16 



EXERCISES. 

CHAPTER II. 



Exercises in Parsing, as it respects both Etymo- 
logy and Syntax. 

See the Grammar, p. 197. 



SECT. I. 

Syntactical Parsing Table. 

Article. Why is it the definite article ? 

Why the indefinite ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Substantive. Why is it in the possessive case ? 

Why in the objective case ? 

Why in apposition ? 

Why is the apostrophic s omitted ? 
Adjective. What is its substantive ? 

Why in the singular, why in the plural 
number? 

Why in the comparative degree ? &ic. 

Why placed after its substantive ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Pronoun. What is its antecedent f 

Why is it in the singular, why in the 
plural number ? 

Why of the masculine, Why of the fe- 
minine, why of the neuter gender ? . 

Why of the first, of the second, or of 
the third person . ? 

Why is it the nominative case ? 

Why the possessive ? Why the objec- 
tive? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated ? 
Verb. What is its nominative case ? 

What case does it govern ? 



PARSING. H 

Why is it in the singular ? Why in the 
plural number ? 

Why in the first person? &c. 

Why is it in the infinitive mood? 

Why in the subjunctive ? &c. 

W T hy in this particular tense ? 

What relation has it to another verb, 
in point of time ? 

Why do participles sometimes govern 
the objective case ? 

Why is the verb omitted ? Why repeat- 
ed? 
Adverb. What is its proper situation ? 

Why is the double negative used? * 

Why rejected ? 
Preposition, What case does it govern ? 

Which is the word governed ? 

Why this preposition ? 

Why omitted ? Why repeated? 
Conjunction. What moods, tenses, or cases, does it 
connect ? And why ? What mood 
does it require? Why omitted ? Why 
repeated ? 
Interjection. Why does the nominative case follow 
it ? Why the objective ? Why omit- 
ted ? Why repeated? 

SECT. IT. 

■Specimen of Syntactical Parsing. 

" Vice degrades us." 

Vice is a common substantive, of the neuter gen- 
der, the third person, in the singular number, and 
the nominative case. Degrades is a regular verb ac- 
tive, indicative mood, present tense, third person sin- 
gular, agreeing with its nominative "vice," accord- 
C 2 



IS EXERCISES. 

ing to rule i. which says ; (here repeat the rule.) 
U$ t is a personal pronoun, first person plural, in the 
objective case, and governed by the active verb "de- 
grades," agreeably to rule xi. which says, &c. 

" He who lives virtuously prepares for all events." 

He is a personal pronoun, of the third person, 
lingular number, and masculine gender. Who is a 
relative pronoun, which has for its antecedent, " he," 
with which it agrees in gender and number, accord- 
ing to rule v. which says, he. Lives is a regular 
verb neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third 
person singular, agreeing with its nominative, "who," 
according to rule vi. which says, he. Virtuously 
is an adverb of quality. Prepares is a regular verb 
neuter, indicative mood, present tense, third person 
singular, agreeing with its nominative, " he." For 
is a preposition. All is an adjective pronoun, of 
the indefinite kind, the plural number, and belongs 
to its substantive, " events," with which it agrees, 
according to rule viii. which says, he. Events is a 
common substantive of the neuter gender, the third 
person, in the plural number, and the objective case, 
governed by the preposition " for," according to 
rule xvli. which says, he. 

" If folly entice thee, reject its allurements." 

If is a copulative conjunction. Folly is a common 
substantive of the neuter gender, the third person", 
in the singular number, and the nominative case. 
Entice is a regular verb active, subjunctive mood, 
present tense, third person singular, and is governed 
by the conjunction " if," according to rule xix. 
which says, he. Thee is a personal pronoun, of the 
.second person singular, in the objective case, govern- 
ed by the active verb " entice," agreeably to rule 
xi. which says, he. Reject is a regular active verb, 



PARSING. 19 

imperative mood, second person singular, and agrees 
with its nominative case, " thou" implied. Its is a 
personal pronoun, third person singular number, and 
of the neuter gender, to agree with its substantive 
"folly," according to rule v. which says, he. it 
is in the possessive case, governed by the noun " al- 
lurements," agreeably to rule x. which says, &c. 
Allurements is a common substantive, of the neuter 
gender, the third person, in the plural number, and 
the objective case, governed by the active verb "re- 
ject," according to rule xi. which says, &;c. 

SECT. III. 

Exercises on the first, second, third, and fourth Rules 
of Syntax* 

1. The contented mind spreads ease and cheerful- 
ness around it. 

The school of experience teaches many useful 
Jessons. 

In the path of life are many thorns, as well as 
flowers. , 

Thou shouldst do justice to -all men, even to 
enemies. 

2. Vanity and presumption ruin many a promising 
youth. 

Food, clothing, and credit, are the rewards of in- 
dustry. 

He and William live together in great harmony. 

3. No age, nor condition, is exempt from trouble. 
Wealth, or virtue, or any valuable acquisition, is 

not attainable by idle wishes. 

* In parsing these exercises the pupil should repeat thr 
respective rule of Syntax, and show that it applies to the. sen- 
tence which he is parsing. 



20 EXERCISES. 

4. The British nation is great and generous. 
The company is assembled. It is composed of 

persons possessing very different sentiments. 

A herd of cattle, peacefully grazing, affords a 
pleasing sight. 

SECT. IV. 

Kxercises on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth Rules 
of Syntax. 

5. The man who is faithfully attached to religion 
may be relied on with confidence. 

The vices which we should especially avoid are 
those which most easily beset us. 

6. They who are born in high stations are not al- 
ways happy. 

Our parents and teachers are the persons whom 
we ought, in a particular manner, to respect. 

If our friend is in trouble, we, whom he knows 
and loves, may console him. 

7. Thou art the man who has improved his privi- 
leges, and who will reap the reward. 

I am the person who owns a fault committed, 
and who disdains to conceal it by falsehood. 

S. That sort of pleasure weakens and debases 
ihe mind. 

Even in these times, there are many persons who, 
iVom disinterested motives, are solicitous to promote 
the happiness of others. 

SECT. V. 

Exercises on the ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth 
Rules of Syntax. 

9. The restless, discontented person, is not a good 
friend, a good neighbour, or a good subject. 



PARSING. 21 

The young, the healthy, and the prosperous, 
should not presume on their advantages. 

10. The scholar's diligence will secure the tutor's 
approbation. 

The good parent's greatest joy is to see his chil- 
dren wise and virtuous. 

11. Wisdom and virtue ennoble us. Vice and 
folly debase us. 

Whom can we so justly love as them who have 
endeavoured to make us wise and happy t 

12. When a person has nothing to do, he is al- 
most always tempted to do wrong. 

We need not urge Charles to do good : he loves 
to do it. 

We dare not leave our studies without permission. 

SECT. VI. I 

Exercises on the thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, six* 
teenth, and seventeenth Rules of Syntax. 

13. The business is, at last, completed ; but long 
ago I intended to do it. 

I expected to see the king before he left Wind- 
sor. 

The misfortune did happen : but we early hoped 
and endeavoured to prevent it. 

'To have been censured by so judicious a friend, 
would have greatly discouraged me. 

14. Having early disgraced himself, he became 
mean and dispirited. 

Knowing him to be my superior, I cheerfully sub- 
mitted. 

15. We should always prepare for the worst, and 
hope for the best. 



22 EXERCISES. 

A young man, so learned and virtuous, promises to 
be a very useful member of society. 

When our virtuous friends die, they are not lost 
for ever ; they are only gone before us to a happier 
world. 

18. Neither threatenings, nor any promises, could 
make him violate the truth. 

Charles is not insincere ; and therefore we may 
trust him, 

17. From whom was that information received? 
To whom do that house and those fine gardens 
belong ? 

SECT. VII. 

Exercises on the eighteenth, nineteenth, twentieth, 
twenty-fast, anjl twenty-second Rules of Syntax. 

IS. He and I commenced our studies at the same 
time. 

If we contend about trifles, and violently maintain 
our opinion, we shall gain but few friends. 

19. Though James and myself are rivals, we do 
not cease to be friends. 

If Charles acquire knowledge, good manners, and 
virtue, he will secure esteem. 

William is respected because he is upright and 
obliging. 

20. These persons are abundantly more oppressed 
than we are. 

Though I am not so good a scholar as he is, I am, 
perhaps, not less attentive than he, to study. 

21. Charles was a man of knowledge, learning, 
politeness and religion. 

In our travels we saw much to approve, andraach 
to condemn. 



PARSING. 23 

22. The book is improved by many useful cor- 
rections, alterations, and additions. 

She is more talkative and lively than her brother, 
but not so well informed, nor 60 uniformly cheerful, 

SECT. VIII. 

Promiscuous Exercises in Syntactical Parsing. 



Dissimulation in youth, is the forerunner of per- 
fidy in old age. Its first appearance is the fatal omen 
of growing depravity and future shame. 

If we possess not the power of self-government, 
we shall be the prey of every loose inclination that 
chances to arise. Pampered by continual indul- 
gence, all our passions will- become mutinous and 
headstrong. Desire, not reason, will be the ruling 
principle of our conduct. 

Absurdly we spend our time in contending about 
the trifles of a day, while we ought to be preparing 
for a higher existence. 

How little do they know of the true happiness of 
life, who are strangers to that intercourse of good 
©ffices and kind affections which, by a pleasing 
charm, attaches men to one another, and circulates 
rational enjoyment from heart to heart \ 

If we view ourselves, with all our imperfection;^ 
and failings, in a just light, we shall rather be sur- 
prised at our enjoying so many good things, than dis- 
contented because there are any which we want. 

True cheerfulness makes a man happy in himself, 
and promotes the happiness of all around him, It 
is the clear and calm sunshine of a mind illuminated 
by piety and virtue. 

Wherever views of interest and prospects of 
return mingle with the feelings of affection, sen* 



24 EXERCISES. 

sibility acts an imperfect part, and entitles us to 
small share of commendation. 

Let not your expectations from the years that are 
to come, rise too high ; and your disappointments 
will be fewer, and more easily supported. 

To live long ought not to be our favourite wish, 
so much as to live well. By continuing too long on 
earth, we might only live to witness a greater num- 
ber of melancholy scenes, and to expose ourselves 
to a wider compass of human wo. 

How many pass away some of the most valuable 
years of their lives, tost in a whirlpool of what can- 
not be called pleasure, so much as mere giddiness 
and folly ! 

Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh 
characters well, before you connect yourselves too 
closely with any who court your society. 

The true honour of man consists not in the mul- 
titude of riches, or the elevation of rfenk ; for ex- 
perience shows, that these may be possessed by the 
worthless, as well as by the deserving. 

Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. 
The flower is easily blasted. It is short-lived at the 
best ; and trifling, at any rate, in comparison with 
the higher, and more lasting beauties of the mind. 
A contented temper opens a clear sky, and bright- 
ens every object around us. It is in the sullen and 
dark shade of discontent, that noxious passions, 
like venomous animals, breed and prey upon the 
heart. 

Thousands, whom indolence has sunk into con- 
temptible obscurity, might have come forward t& 
usefulness and honour, if idleness had not frustrated 
the effects of all their powers. 

Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream* 
which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous ani- 
mals and poisonous plants ; and infects with pesti- 
lential vapours the whole country round it. 



PARSING. 25 

Disappointments derange, and overcome, vulgar 
minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper im- 
provement, frequently make them contribute to 
their high advantage. 

Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take 
away what is most valuable, the peace of a good con- 
science, and the cheering prospect of a happy con- 
clusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. 

Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with* 
so as to pursue revenge; by the disasters of life, so 
as to sink into despair; by the evil examples of the 
world, so as to follow them into sin. Overcome 
injuries, by forgiveness ; disasters, by fortitude ; evil 
examples, by firmness of principle. 

Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which 
the present condition of human life strongly incul- 
cates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks 
presumption ; the multiplicity of its dangers, de- 
mands perpetual caution. Moderation, vigilance, 
and self-government, are duties incumbent on all ; 
but especiallv on such as are beginning the journev 
of life. 

The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpres- 
sible ; and can only be justly conceived by those 
who possess her. The consciousness of Divine ap- 
probation and support, and the steady hope of future 
happiness, communicate a peace and joy, to which 
all the delights of the world bear no resemblance. 

If we ^knew how much the pleasures of this life 
deceive and betray their unhappy votaries ; and re- 
flected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dis- 
satisfaction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of pes - 
session, which every where attend them ; we should 
cease to be enamoured of these brittle and tran- 
sient joys ; and should wisely fix our hearts on those 
virtuous attainments, which the world can neithc: 
give nor take away. 



26 EXERCISES. 



POETRY. 

Order is heaven's first law; and this confest, 
Some are, and must be, greater than the rest, 
More rich, more wise, out who infers from hence. 
That such are happier, shocks all common sense. 

Needful austerities our wills restrain ; 

As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. 

Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
Lie in three words, health, peace, and competence 
But health consists with temperance alone ; 
And peace, O virtue ! peace is all thy own. 

On earth nought precious is obtained. 

But what is painful too ; 
By travel and to travel born, 

Our sabbaths are but few. 

Who noble ends by noble means obtains. 
Or failing, smiles in exile or in chains, 
Like good Aurelius let him reign, or bleed 
Like Socrates, that man is great indeed. 

Our hearts are fastened to this world 

By strong and endless ties ; 
But every sorrow cuts a string, 

And urges us to rise. 

Oft pining cares in rich brocades are dresf, 
And diamonds glitter on an anxious breast. 

Teach me to feel another's wo, 

To hide the fault I see ; 
That mercy I to others show. 

That mercy show to me. 



PARSING. 27 

This day be bread, and peace, my lot ; 

All else beneath the sun, 
Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, 

And let thy will be done. 

Vice is a monster of so frightful mien, 
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen : 
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, 
We first endure, then pity, then embrace. 

If nothing more than purpose in thy power, 
Thy purpose firm, is equal to the deed : 
Who does the best his circumstance allows, 
Does well, acts nobly; angels could no niore.- 

In faith and hope the world will disagree ; 
But all mankind's concern is charity. 

To be resign'd when ills betide, 
Patient when favours are denied, 

And pleas'd with favours given ; 
Most surely this is Wisdom's part, 
This is that incense of the heart, 

Whose fragrance smells to Heaven. 

All fame is foreign, but of true desert; 

Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart ; 

One self-approving hour whole years outweighs 

Of stupid starers, and of loud huzzas*, 

And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels, 

Than Caesar with a senate at his heels. 

Far from the madd'ning crowd's ignoble strife, 
Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray ; 

Along the cool sequester'd vale of life, 
They kept the noiseless tenor of their war. 



29 EXERCISES. 

What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, 
The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, 
Is virtue's prize. 

Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, 
Whose trembling limbs have borne him to yourdoor. 
Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span: 
Oh ! give relief, and Heaven will bless your store. 

Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor : 
Who lives to fancy never can be rich. 

When young, life's journey I began, 

The glitt'ring prospect charm'd my eyes; 

I saw, along th' extended plain, 
Joy after joy successive rise. 

But soon I found 'twas all a dream ; 

And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun, 
Where few can reach the purpos'd aim, 

And thousands daily are undone. 

'Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours, 
And ask them what report they bore to Heav'n. 

All nature is but art unknown to thee ; 

All chance, direction which thou canst not see : 

Ail discord, harmony not understood ; 

All partial evil, universal good. 

Heaven's choice is safer than our own ; 

Of ages past inquire, 
What the most formidable fate ; 

" To have our own desire." 

If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of Heav'n he feeds, 
If o'er the fields such lucid robes he spreads; 
Will he not care for you, ye faithless, say ? 
Is he unwise ? or, are ye less than they . ? 



PARSING. 29 



The spacious firmament on high, 
With all the blue ethereal sky, 
And spangled heav'ns, a shining frame, 
Their great original proclaim : 
Th' unwearied sun, from day to day, 
Does his Creator's power display, 
And publishes to every land, 
The work of an Almighty hand. 

Soon as the ev'ning shades prevail, 
The moon takes up the wond'rous tale, 
And, nightly, to the list'ning earth, 
Repeats the story of her birth : 
Whilst all the stars that round her burn, 
And all the planets in their turn, 
Confirm the tidings as they roll, 
And spread the truth from pole to pole. 

What though, in solemn silence, all 
Move round the dark terrestrial ball ! 
What though nor real voice nor sound-, 
Amid their radient orbs be found] 
In reasons ear they all rejoice, 
And utter forth a glorious voice, 
For ever singing as they shine, 
" The hand that made us is Divine/' 



PART II. 

EXERCISES IN ORTHOGRAPHY. 

CHAP. I. 

Containing instances of false Orthography, arranged 
under the respective Rules. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 1 



Monosyllables ending with f, I, 1 or s, preceded by v. 
single vowel, double the final consonant ; as, staff, mill, 
pass, fyc. The only exception sare, of, if, as, is, has. 
ivas, yes, his, this, us, and thus. 

It is no great merit to spel properly ; but a great 
defect to do it incorrectly. 

Jacob worshiped his Creator, leaning on the top 
of his staf. 

We may place too little, as well as toomuch stre- 
upon dreams. 

Our manners should neither be gros, nor exces- 
sively refined. 



Monosyllables ending with any cosonant but f, 1, or 
s, and preceded by a single vowel, never double th* 
final consonant ; excepting only, add, ebb, butt, egg. 
odd, err, inn, bunn, purr, and buzz. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 2. 

A carr signifies a chariot of war, or a small car- 
riage of burden. 

In the names of druggs and plants, the mistake in a 
word may endanger life. 



ORTHOGRAPHY. 31 

Nor undeligbtful is the ceaseless humm 

To him who muses through the woods at noon. 

The finn of a fish is the limb by which he balances 
his body, and moves in the water. 

Many a trapp is laid to insnare the feet of youth. 

Many thousand families are supported by the sim- 
ple business of making matts. 

rule in. 

Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, form 
the plurals of nouns, the persons of verbs, verbal nouns, 
past participles, comparatives, and superlatives, by 
changing y into i ; as spy, spies ; I carry, thou car- 
riest ; he carrieth or carries; carrier, carried; hap- 
j?y, happier, happiest. 

The present participle ing, retains the y, that i 
may not be doubled ; as, carry, carrying; bury, bu- 
rying, Sfc. 

But y, preceded by a vowel, in such instances as tin 
above, is not changed ; as, boy, boys; I cloy, he cloys, 
cloyed, fyc. ; except in lay, pay, and say ; from ivhich 
are formed, laid, paid, and said ; and their compounds, 
vnlaid, unpaid, unsaid, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 3j. Key, p. 2. 

We should subject our fancys to the government 
of reason. 

If thou art seeking for the living amongst the dead 
;hou wearyest thyself in vain. 

If we have denyed ourselves sinful pleasures, we 
shall be great gainers in the end. 

We shall not be the happyer for possessing talents 
and affluence, unless we make a right use of them. 

The truly good mind is not dismaied by poverty, 
afflictions, or death. 



32 EXERCISES. 



Words ending with y, preceded by a consonant, upon 
assuming an additional syllable beginning ivith a con- 
sonant, commonly change y into i ; as, happy, happily, 
happiness. But when y is preceded by a vowel, it is 
eery rarely changed in the additional syllable ; as, coy, 
>:oyly ; boy, boyish, boyhood; annoy, annoyed, annoy- 
ance ; joy, joyless, joyful, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 2. 

It is a great blessing to have a sound mind, unin- 
fluenced by fancyful humours. * 

Common calamities, and common blessings, fall 
hcavyly upon the envious. 

The comelyness of youth are modesty and frank- 
ness ; of age, condescension and dignity. 

When we act against conscience, we become the 
destroiers of our own peace. 

We may be plaiful, and yet innocent, grave, and 
yet corrupt. It is only from general conduct, that 
•in* true character can be portraied. 



Monosyllables, and words accented on the last sylla- 
ble, ending with a single consonant preceded by a sin- 
gle voivel, double that consonant, when they take an- 
other syllable beginning with a vowel: as wit, witty; thin, 
rhinnish ; to abet, an abettor ; to begin, a beginner. 

But if a diphthong precedes, or the accent is on the 
preceding syllable, the consonant remains single ; as, to 
foil, toiling; to offer, an offering ; maid, maiden, fye. 

Grammar, p. 35. Key, p. 3. 

When we bring the lawmaker into contempt, we 
'iave in effect annuled his laws. 

By defering our repentance, we accumulate our 
;orrows. 

The pupils of a certain ancient philosopher, were 



ORTHOGRAPHY. 33 

not, during their first years of study, permitted to 
ask any questions. 

We all have many faillings and lapses to lament 
and recover. 

There is no affliction with which we are visitted, 
that may not be* improved to our advantage. 

The Christian Lawgiver has prohibitted many 
things, which the heathen philosophers allowed. 

RULE VI. 

Words etiding with any double letter hut 1, and 
taking ness, less, ly, or fill, after them, preserve the 
letter double ; as, harmlessness, carelessness, carelessly, 
stiffly, successful, distressful, fyc. But those words 
which end with double 1, and take ness, less, ly, or 
ful, after them, generally omit one 1, as fulness, skil-. 
less, fully, skilful, fyc. 

Grammar, p. 36- Key, p. 3. 

Restlesness of mind disqualifies us, both for the 
enjoyment of peace, and the performance of our duty. 

The arrows of calumny fall harmlesly at the feet 
of virtue. 

The road to the blisful regions, is as open to the 
peasant as to the king. 

A chillness or shivering of the body generally pre- 
cedes a fever. 

To recommend virtue to others, our light must 
shine brightly, not dullly. 

The silent stranger stood amaz'd to see 

Contempt of wealth, and willful poverty. 

RULE VII. 

Ness, less, ly, and ful, added to words ending with 
silent e, do not cut it off: as, paleness, guileless, closely, 
peaceful, except in a few words : as, duly, truly, awful. 



34 EXEBCISES. 

The warmth of disputation, destroys that sedat- 
ness of mind which is necessary to discover truth 

All these with ceasless praise his works behold, 
Both day aud night. 

In all our reasonings, our minds 'should be sin- 
cerly employed in the pursuit of truth. 

Rude behaviour and indecent language, are pecu- 
liarly disgracful to youth of education. 

The true worship of God is an important and 
aweful service. 

Wisdom alone is truely fair: folly only appears so. 

rule viii. 

Ment, added to words ending with silent e, general* 
ly preserves the e from elision : as, abatement, chastise- 
ment, incitement, c/ c - The words judgment, abridg- 
ment, acknowledgment, are deviations from the rule. 

Like other terminations it changes y into i, ivhen 
preceded by a consonant : as, accompany, accompani- 
ment ; merry, merriment. 

Grammar, p. 36. Key, p. 4. 

The study of the English language is making dai- 
ly advancment. 

A judicious arrangment of studies facilitates im- 
provment. 

To shun allurments is not hard, 

To minds resolv'd, forewarn'd, and well prcpar'd. 

RULE IX. 

Able and ible, when incorporated into words end- 
ing with silent e, almost always cut it off : as, blame, 
blamable ; cure, curable ; sense, sensible, fyc. ; but if 
c or g sofilcomes before e in the original word, the e is 
then preserved in icords compounded with able : as, 
change, changeable ; peace, peaceable, fyc. 



OBTHOGtUPHY. 35 

Grammar, p. 38. Key, p. •*. 

Every person and thing connected with self, Is 
apt to appear good and desireable in our eyes. 

Errors and misconduct are more excuseable in 
ignorant, than in well-instructed persons. 

The divine laws are not reverseible by those of 
men. 

Gratitude is a forceible and active principle in 
good and generous minds. 

Our natural and involuntary defects of body, are 
not chargable upon us. 

We are made to be servicable to others, as well 
as to ourselves. 



When ing or ish is added to words ending with si- 
lent e, the e is almost universally omitted : as, place t 
placing; lodge, lodging ; slave, slavish ; prude, prudish. 

An obligeing and humble disposition, is totally 
unconnected with a servile and cringeing humour. 

By solaceing the sorrows of others, the heart is 
improved, at the same time that our duty is per- 
formed. 

Labour and expense are lost upon adroneishspirii. 

The inadvertences of youth may be excused, but 
knaveish tricks should meet with severe reproof. 



Words taken into composition, often drop those In- 
fers which were superfluous in their simples : as, hand- 
ful, dunghil, withal, also, chilblain, forttl. 

Grammar, p. 36. Key, p. 5. 

Love worketh no ill to our neighbour, and is the. 
i'ullfilling of the law. 

That which is sometimes expedient, is not all 
ways so. 



3Q exercises. (Promiscuous. 

We may be hurtfull to others, by our example, as 
well as by personal injuries. 

Where diligence opens the door of the understand- 
ing, and impartiality keeps it, truth finds an entrance 
and a wellcome too. 

CHAP. II. 

Containing instances of false orthography, promis- 
cuously disposed. 

See the Key, p. 5. 

As the learners must be supposed to be tolerably 
versed in the spelling of words in very familiar use, 
the compiler has generally selected, for the follow 
ing exercises, such words as are less obviously erro- 
neous, and in the use of which young persons arc- 
more likely to commit mistakes. Though the in- 
stances which he gives of these deviations are not 
very numerous, yet, it is presumed, they are exhi- 
bited with sufficient variety to show the necessity of 
care and attention in combining letters and syllables; 
and to excite the ingenious student to investigate 
♦he principles and rules of our Orthography, as well 
as to distinguish the exceptions and variations which 
every where attend them. 

In rectifying these exercises, the Compiler has 
been governed by Doctor Johnson's Dictionary, as 
the standard of propriety. This work is, indisputa- 
bly, the best authority for the Orthography of the 
English language ; though the author, in some in- 
stances, has made decisions, which are not general! \ 
approved, and for which it is not easy to account 

SECT. I. 

Key, p. 0, 

Neglect no oppurtunity of doing good. 
No man can stedily build upon accidents. 

How shall we keep what, sleeping or awake, 

A weaker may surprize, a stronger take : 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 37 

Neither time nor misfortunes should eraze the 
rememberance of a friend. 

Moderation should preside, both in the kitchin 
and the parlor. 

Shall we recieve good at the Divine hand, and 
shall we not recieve evil ? 

In many designs, we may succede and be mise- 
rable. 

We should have sence and virtue enough to re- 
ceed from our demands, when they appear to be un- 
resohable. 

All our comforts procede from the Father of 
Goodness. 

The ruin of a state is generally preceeded by a 
universal degenaracy of manners, and a contempt 
of religion. 

His father omited nothing in his education, that 
might render him virtuous and usefull. 

The daw in the fable was dressed in pilferred or- 
naments. 

A favor confered with delicacy, doubles the ob- 
ligation. 

They tempted their Creator, and limitted the 
Holy One of Izrael. 

The precepts of a good education have often re- 
cured in the time of need. 

We are frequently benefitted by what we have 
dreaded. 

It is no great virtue to live loveingly with good 
natured and meek persons. 

The Christian religion gives a more lovly cha- 
racter of God, than any religion ever did. 

Without sinsterous views, they are dextrous ma- 
nagers of their own interest. 

Any thing commited to the trust and care of ano- 
ther, is a deposit. 

Here finnish'd he, and all that he had made 

Vieu'd and beheld ! All was intirely good. 

E 






38 exercises. (Promiscuous, 

It deserves our best skil to enquire into those 
rules by which we may guide our judgement. 

Food, clotheing, and habitations, are the rewards 
of industry. 

If we lie no restraint upon our lusts, no controul 
upon our apetites and passions, they will hurry us 
into guilt and misery. 

An Independant is one who, in religious affairs, 
holds that every congregation is a compleat Church. 
Receive his council, and securly move : 
Entrust thy fortune to the Power above. 
Following life in cretures we disect, 
We lose it in the moment we detect. 

The acknowledgement of our transgressions must 
precede the forgivness of them. 

Judicious abridgements often aid the studys of 
youth. 

Examine how thy humor is enclin'd, 

And which the ruleing passion of thy mind. 

He faulters at the question : 

His fears, his words, his looks, declare him guilty. 

Calicoe is a thir cloth made of cotton ; some- 
times stained with lively colors. 

To promote iniquity in others, is nearly the same 
as being the acters of it ourselvs. 

The glasier's business was unknown totheantients. 

The antecedant, in grammer, is the noun or pro- 
noun to which the relative refers. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p. 7. 

Be not affraid of the wicked : they are under the 
controul of Providence. Consciousness of guilt 
anay justly afright us. 

Convey to others no inteligence which you would 
be ashamed to avow. 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 39 

Many are weighed in the ballance, and found 
wanting. 

How many disapointments have, in their conse- 
quences, saved a man from ruin ! 

A well-poised mind makes a chearful countenance. 

A certain housholder planted a vinyard, but the 
men imployed in it made ungratefull returns. 

Let us show dilligence in every laudible under- 
taking. 

Cinamon is the fragrant bark of a low tree in the 
iland of Ceylon. 

A ram will but with his head, though he be 
brought up tame, and never saw the action. 

We percieve a piece of silver in a bason, when 
water is poured on it, though we could not discover 
it before. 

Virtue imbalms the memory of the good. 

The king of Great Brittain is a limitted monarch ; 
and the Brittish nation a free people. 

The phisician may dispence the medicin, but 
Providence alone can bless it. 

In many persuits we imbark with pleasure, and 
land sorrowfully. 

Rocks, mountains, and caverns, are of indispen- 
sible use, both to the earth and to man. 

The hive of a city, or kingdom, is in the best con- 
dition, when their is the least noize or buz in it. 

The roughnesses found on our enterance into the 
paths of virtue and learning, grow smoother as we 
advance. 

That which was once the most beautifull spot of 
Italy, coverred with pallaces, imbellished by prin- 
ces, and cellebrattd by poets, has now nothing to 
show but ruins. 

Batterring rams were antiently used to beat down 
the walls of a city. 

Jocky signifies a man who rides horses in a race : 
or who deals in horses. 



40 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

The harmlesness of many animals, and the injoy- 
ment which they have of life, should plead for them 
against cruel useage. 

We may be very buzy, to no usefull purpose. 

We cannot plead in abatment of our guilt, that 
we are ignorent of our duty. 

Genuine charaty, how liberal soever it may be, 
will never impoverish ourselves. If we sew spar- 
ingly, we shall reap acordingly. 

However disagreable, we must resolutly perform 
our duty. 

A fit of sickness is often a kind chastisment and 
disciplin, to moderate our affections for the things of 
this life. 

It is a happyness to young persons, when they 
are preserved from the snares of the world, as in a 
garden inclosed. 

Health and peace, the most valueable posessions, 
are obtained at small expence. 

Incence signifies perfumes exhailed by fire, and 
made use of in religious ceremonies. 

True happyness is an ennemy to pomp and noize. 

Few reflexions are more distresing, than those 
which we make on our own ingratitude. 

There is an inseperable connection between piety 
and virtue. 

Many actions have a fair complection, which have 
not sprung from virtue. 

Which way soever we turn ourselvs, we are in- 
countered with sensable demonstrations of a Deity. 

If we forsake the ways of virtue, we cannot alledge 
any color of ignorance, or want of instruction. 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 9. 

There are more cultivates of the earth, than of 
their own hearts. 

Man is incompassed with dangers innumerable. 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 4J 

War is attended with distresful and dessolating 
effects. It is confessedly the scorge of our angry 
passions. 

The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof. 

The harvest truely is plenteous, but the laborers 
are few. 

The greater our incitments to evil, the greater 
will be our victory and reward. 

We should not incourage persons to do what they 
beleive to be wrong. 

Virtue is placed between two extreams, which 
are both equally blameable. 

We should continually have the gaol in our view, 
which would direct us in the race. 

The goals were forced open, and the prisoners 
set free. 

It cannot be said that we are charitible doners, 
when our gifts proceed from selfish motives. 

Straight is the gate, and narrow the way, that 
lead to life eternal. 

Integrity leads us strait forward, disdaining all 
doubleings, and crooked paths. 

Li-jenciousnessand crimes pave the way to ruin. 

Words are the countres of wise men, but the mo- 
ney of fools. 

Recompence to no man evil for evil. 

He was an excellent person ; a mirrour of anti- 
ent faith in early youth. 

Meekness controuls our angry passions ; candor, 
our severe judgements. 

He is not only a descendent from pious ancesters, 
but an inheriter too of their virtues. 

A dispensatory is the place where medicines arc 
dispensed : a dispensary is a book in which the 
composition of them is described. 

Faithfulness and judgment are peculiarly requisite 
in testamentory executors. 

To be faithfull among the faithless, argues great 
strength of principal. 

K : : 



42 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Mountains appear to be like so many wens or 
unatural protuberancies on the face of the earth. 

In some places the sea incroaches upon the land; 
in others, the land upon the sea. 

Philosophers agreed in despizing riches, as the in- 
cumberances of life. 

Wars are regulated robberries and pyracies. 

Fishes encrease more than beasts or birds, as ap- 
pears from their numerous spaun. 

The piramids of Egypt have stood more than 
three thousand years. 

Precepts have small influence, when not inforced 
by example. 

How has kind Heav'n adorn'd the happy land, 
And scatter'd blessings with a wastful hand ! 

A friend exaggarates a man's virtues, an enemy 
enflames his crimes. 

A witty and humourous vein has often produced 
ennemies. 

Neither pleasure nor buziness should ingross our 
time and affections ; proper seasons should be alot- 
ted for retirment. 

It is laudable to enquire before we determin. 

Many have been visitted with afflictions, who have 
not profitted by them. 

We may be succesful, and yet disappointed. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 11. 

The experience of want inhances the value of 
plenty. 

To maintain opinions stifly, is no evidence of 
their truth, or of our moderation. 

Horehound has been famous for its medicinal 
qualities ; but it is now little used. 

The wicked are often ensnared in the trap which 
they lie for others. 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 43 

• Ft is hard to say what diseases are cureable : they 
are all under the guidence of Heaven. 

Instructors should not only be skillfull in those 
sciences which they teach ; but have skil in the me- 
thod of teaching, and patience in the practise. 

Science strengthens and inlarges the minds of 
men. 

A steady mind may receive council ; but there is 
no hold on a changable humour. 

We may enure ourselves by custom, to bear the 
extremities of whether without injury. 

Excessive merryment is the parent of greif. 

Air is sensable to the touch by its motion, and by 
its resistence to bodies moved in it. 

A polite address is sometimes the cloke of malice. 

To practice virtue is the sure way to love it. 

Many things are plausable in theory, which fail 
in practise. 

Learning and knowlege must be attained by slow 
degrees : and are the reward only of dilligence and 
patience. 

We should study to live peacably with all men. 

A soul that can securly death defy, 
And count it nature's priviledge to die. 

Whatever promotes the interest of the soul, is 
also condusive to our present felicity. 

Let not the sterness of virtue afright us; she will 
soon become aimable. 

The spatious firmament on high, 
With all the blue etheriel sky, 
And spangled heav'ns a shineing frame, 
Their great Originel proclame. 

Passion is the drunkeness of the mind : it super- 
cedes the workings of reason. 

If we are sincere, we may be assured of an advo- 
cate to intcrsede for us. 

We ought not to consider the enCrease of another- 
reputation as a dimminution of our own. 



44 exercises. (Promiscuous, 

The ruematisrn is a painful distemper, supposed 
to procede from acrid humors. 

The beautiful and accomplished, are too apt to 
study behaivour rather than virtue. 

The peazant's cabbin contains as much content 
as the soverein's pallace. 

True valor protects the feeble, and humbles the 
oppresser. 

David, the son of Jesse, was a wise and valient 
man. 

Prophecies and miracles proclamed Jesus Christ 
to be the Savior of the world. 

Esau sold his birthright for a savory mess of pot- 

ta S e - 

A regular and virteous education, is an inesteem- 

able blessing. 

Honor and shame from no condition rise ; 

Act well your part ; there, all the honor lies. 

The rigor of monkish, disciplin often conceals 

great, depravity of heart. 

We should recollect, that however favorable we 

may be to ourselves, we are rigourously examined 

by others. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 13. 

Virtue can render youth, as well as old age, ho- 
norable. 

Rumor often tells false tales. 

Weak minds are rufled by triffling things. 

The cabage-tree is very common in the Caribbee 
ilands, where it grows to a prodigious heighth. 

Visit the sick, feed the hungry, cloath the naked. 

His smiles and tears are too aitifitial to be re- 
lied on. 

The most essensial virtues of a Christian, are love 
to God and benevolence to man. 

We should be chearful without levity. 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 45 

A calender signifies a register of the year ; and a 
calendar, a press in which clothiers smooth their 
cloth. 

Integrity and hope are the sure paliatives of sor- 
row. 

Camomile is an odouriferous plant, and possesses 
considerable medicinel virtues. 

The gaity of youth should be tempered by the 
precepts of age. 

Certainty, even on distresful occasions, is som- 
times more elligible than suspence. 

Still green with bays eaeh antient altar stands, 
Above the reach of sacriligious hands. 

The most acceptable sacrifice, is that of a contrite 
and humble heart. 

We are accountable for whatever we patronize in 
others. 

It marks a savage disposition to tortur animals, 
to make them smart and agonise, for our diversion. 

The edge of cloath, where it is closed by compli- 
cating the threads, is called the selvidge. 

Soushong tea and Turky coffee were his favorite 
beveridge ; chocolade he seldom drank. 

The guilty mind cannot avoid many melancholly 
apprehensions. 

If we injure others, we must expect retalliation. 

Let every man be fully perswadeii in his own 
mind. 

Peace and honor are the sheeves of virtue's har- 
vest. 

The black earth, every where obvious on the sur- 
face of the ground, we call mold. 

The Roman poatif claims to be the supreijm 
head of the church on earth. 

High-seasoned food viciates the pallate, and oc- 
casions a disrelish for plain fare. 

The conscious receivor is as bad as the thief. 



46 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Alexander, the conquerer of the world, was, in 
fact, a robber and a murderer. 

The Divine Being is not only the Creater, but the 
Ruler and Preserver of the world. 

Honest endeavors, if persevered in, will finally be 
successful. 

He who dies for religion, is a martyr : he who suf- 
fers for it, is a confessour. 

In the paroxism of passion, we sometimes give 
occasion for a life of repentence. 

The mist which envelopes many studies, is dissi- 
pated when we approach them. 

The voice is sometimes obstructed by a hoarsness, 
or by viscuous phlegm. 

The desart shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 

The fruit and sweatmeats set on table after the 
meat, are called the desert. 

We traversed the flowry fields, till the falling dews 
admonished us to return. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 15. 

There is frequently a worm at the root of our most 
florishing condition. 

The stalk of ivey is tough, and not fragil. 

The roof is vaulted, and distills fresh water from 
every part of it. 

Our imperfections are discernable by others, 
when we think they are concealed. 

They think they shall be heared for there much 
speaking. 

True criticizm is not a captious, but a liberal art. 

Integrity is our best defense against the evils of 
life. 

No circumstance can licence evil or dispence 
with the rules of virtue. 

We may be cyphers in the world's estimation, 
whilst we are advancing our own and others' value. 



Promiscuous.) orthography. 47 

The path of vertue is the path of peace. 

A dipthong is the coilition of two vowels to form 
one sound. 

However forceable our temptations, they may be 
resisted. 

I acknowlege my transgression ; and my sin is 
ever before me. 

The colledge of cardinals are the electers of the 
pope. 
,He had no colorable excuse to palliate his conduct. 

Thy humourous vein, thy pleasing folly, 
Lie all neglected, all forgot. 

If we are so conceited as obstinatly to reject ali 
advice, we must expect a direliction of friends. 

Cronology is the science of computeing and ajust- 
ing the periods of time. 

In groves we live, and lay on mossy beds, 

By chrystal streams, that murmer thro' the meads. 

It is a secret cowardise which induces us to com- 
plement the vices of our superiors, to applaud the 
libertin, and laugh with the prophane. 

The lark each morning waked me with hersprite- 
ly lay. 

There are no fewer than thirty-two species of the 
lilly. 

We owe it to our visitors as well as to ourselves, 
to entertain them with useful and sensable conver- 
sation. 

Sponsers are those who become sureties for the 
children's education in the christian faith. 

The warrier's fame is often purchased by the 
blood of thousands. 

Hope exhilerates the mind, and is the grand elix- 
er, under all the evils of life. 

The incence of gratitude, whilst it expresses our 
duty, and honours our benefacter, perfumes and re- 
gails ourselves. 



PART. III. 

EXERCISES IN SYNTAX. 

-SOS- 
CHAP. I. 

Containing instances of false Syntax, disposed under 
the particular rules. 



A verb must agree with its nominative case, in num- 
ber and person: as, "I learn ;" " Thou art improv- 
ed;" " The birds sing." 

Grammar, p. 126. Key, p. 18. 

Disappointments sinks the heart of man ; but 
the renewal of hope give consolation. 

The smiles that encourage severity of judgment 
hides malice and insincerity. 

He dare not act contrary to his instructions. 

Fifty pounds of wheat contains forty pounds of 
flour. 

The mechanism of clocks and watches, were to- 
tally unknown a few centuries ago. 

The number of inhabitants of Great Britain and 
Ireland do not exceed sixteen millions. 

Nothing but vain and foolish pursuits delight some 
persons. 

A variety of pleasing objects charm the eye. 
- So much both of ability and merit are seldom 
found. 



Rule 1.) SYNTAX. 41* 

In the conduct of Parmenio a mixture of wisdom 
.and folly, were very conspicuous. 

He is an author of more credit than Plutarch, 
or any other that write lives too hastily. 

The inquisitive and curious is generally talkative. 

Great pains has been taken to reconcile the par- 
ties. 

I am sorry to say it, but there was more equivo- 
cators than one. 

The sincere is always esteemed. 

Has the goods been sold to advantage ? and did 
thou embrace the proper season I 

There is many occasions in life, in which silence 
and simplicity is true wisdom. 

The generous never recounts minutely the actions 
they have done; nor the prudent, those they will do, 

He need not proceed in such haste. 

The business that related to ecclesiastical meet- 
ings, matters, and persons, were to be ordered ac- 
cording to the king's direction. 

In him were happily blended true dignity with 
softness of manners. 

The support of so mafty of his relations, were a 
heavy tax upon his industry : but thou knows he 
paid it cheerfully. 

What avails the best sentiments, if persons do not 
live suitably to them ? 

Reconciliation was offered, on conditions as mo- 
derate as was consistent with a permanent union. 

Not one of them whom thou sees clothed in pur- 
ple, are completely happy. 

And the fame of this person, and of his wonderful 
actions, were diffused throughout the country. 

The variety of the productions of genius, like that 
©f the operations of nature, are without limit. 

In vain our flocks and fields increase our store, 
When the abundance makes us wish for more. 



50 exercises. (Rulel. 

Thou should love thy neighbour as sincerely as 
thou loves thyself. 

Has thou no better reason for censuring thy friend 
and companion? 

Thou, who art the Author and Bestower of life, 
can doubtless restore it also : but whether thou 
will please to restore it, or not, that Thou only knows. 

O Thou my voice inspire, 

Who toueh'd Isaiah's hallow'd lips with Are. 

Accept these grateful tears ; for thee they flow ; 

For thee that ever felt another's wo. 

Just to thy word, in every thought sincere; 

Who knew no wish but what the world might hear. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule i. 

Grammar, p. 126. Key, p. 20. 

1.* To do unto all men, as we would that they. 
in similar circumstances should do unto us, consti- 
tute the great principle of virtue. 

From a fear of the world's censure, to be ashamed 
of the practice of precepts, which the heart approves 
andembraces, mark afeeble and imperfect character. 

The erroneous opinions which we form concern- 
ing happiness and misery, gives rise to all the mis- 
taken and dangerous passions that embroils our life. 

To live soberly, righteously, and piously, are re- 
quired of all men. 

That it is our duly to promote the purity of our 
minds and bodies, to be just and kind to our fellow- 
creatures, and to be pious and faithful to Him that 
wade us, admit not of any doubt in a rational and 
well-informed mind. 

To be of a pure and humble mind, to exercise be- 
nevolence towards others, to cultivate piety towards 

* The examples under eacli rule are regularly numbered, to make 
them correspond to the respective subordinate rules in the Grammar. 



Rule 1.) SYNTAX. 51 

God, is the sure means of becoming peaceful and 
happy. 

It is an important truth, that religion, vital reli- 
gion, t,he religion of the heart, are the most power- 
ful auxiliaries of reason, in waging war with the 
passions, and promoting that ' tweet composure 
which constitute the peace of God. 

The possession of our senses entire, of our limbs 
uninjured, of a sound understanding, of friends and 
companions, are often overlooked ; though it would 
be the ultimate wish of many, who, as far as we can 
judge, deserves it as much as ourselves. 

All that make a figure on the great theatre of the 
world, the employments of the busy, the enterprises 
of the ambitious, and the exploits of the warlike; 
the virtues which forms the happiness, and the crimes 
which occasions the misery of mankind ; originates 
in that silent an secret recess of thought, which are 
hidden from every human eye. 

2. If the privileges to which he has an undoubted 
right, and he has long enjoyed, should now be wrested 
from him, would be flagrant injustice. 

These curiosities we have imported from China, 
and are similar to those which were sometime ago 
brought from Africa. 

Will martial flames for ever fire thy mind, 
And never, never be to Heav'n resign'd ? 

3. Two substantives, when they come together, 
and do not signify the same thing, the former must 
be in the genitive case. 

\ irtue, however it may be neglected for a time, 
men are so constituted as ultimately to acknowledge 
and respect genuine merit. 

4. The crown of virtue is peace and honour. 
His chief occupation and enjoyment were cootro- 

versv. 



EXERCISES. % (Ruh 2. 

-Him destroy 'd, 



Or won to what may work his utter loss, 
All this will soon follow. 

Whose gray top 

Shall tremble, him descending. 

k RULE II. 

Two or more nouns, fyc. in the singular number, 
joined together by a copulative conjunction, expressed 
or understood, must have verbs, nouns, and pmnowns, 
agreeing with them in the plural number : as, " Socrates 
and Plato were wise ; they were the most eminent phi- 
losophers of Greece ;" " The sun that rolls over our 
heads, the food that we receive, the rest that we enjoy, 
daily admonish us of a superior and a superintending 



Grammar, p. 130. Key, p. 22. 

Idleness and ignorance is the parent of many vices. 

Wisdom, virtue, happiness, dwells with the goiden 
mediocrity. 

In unity consists the welfare and security of every 
society. 

Time and tide waits for no man. 

His politeness and good disposition was, on fail- 
ure of their effect, entirely changed. 

Patience and diligence, like faith, removes moun- 
tains. 

Humility and knowledge, with poor apparel, ex- 
cels pride and ignorance under costly attire. 

The planetary system, boundless space, and the 
immense ocean, affects the mind with sensations of 
astonishment. 

Humility and love, whatever obscurities may in- 
volve religious tenets, constitutes the essence of true 
religion. 

Religion and virtue, our best support and highest 
honour, confers on the mind principles of noble in- 
dependence. 



Rule 2.) syntax. 53 

What signifies the counsel and care of preceptors, 
when youth think they have no need of assistance r 

The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule ii. 

Grammar, p. 130. Key, p. 22. 

1. Much does human pride and self-complacency 
require correction. 

Luxurious living, and high pleasures, begets a 
languor and satiety that, destroys all enjoyment. 

Pride and self-sufficiency stifles sentiments of de- 
pendence on our Creator : levity and attachment to 
worldly pleasures, destroys the sense of gratitude 
to him. 

2. Good order in our affairs, not mean savings, 
produce great profits. 

The following treatise, together with those that 
accompany it, were written many years ago,- for my 
own private satisfaction. 

That great senator, in concert with several other 
eminent persons, were the projectors of the revo- 
lution. 

The religion of these people, as well as their cus- 
toms and manners, were strangely misrepresented. 

Virtue, joined to knowledge and wealth, confer 
great influence and respectability. But knowledge, 
with weahh united, if virtue is wanting, have a very 
limited influence, ^and are often despised. 

That superficial scholar and critic, like some re- 
nowned critics of our own, have furnished most de- 
cisive proofs, that they knew not the characters of 
the Hebrexv language. 

The buildings of the institution have been enlarg- 
ed : the expense of which, added to the increased 
price of provisions, render it necessary to advance 
the terms of admission. 

One, added to nineteen make twenty. 

What black despair, what horror, fills his mind ! 
F -i 



54 exercises. (Rule '3, 

3. Thou, and the gardner, and the huntsman, 
must share the blame of this business amongst them. 

My sister and I, as well as my brother, are daily 
employed in their respective occupations. 



The conjunction disjunctive has an effect contrary to 
that of the conjunction copulative; for as the verb, noun, 
or pronoun, is referred to the preceding terms taken 
separately, it must be in the singular number : as, 
" Ignorance or negligence has caused this mistake;-' 
^John, James, or Joseph, intends to accompany me ;'* 
r,i There is, in many minds, neither knowledge nor un- 
derstanding." 

Grammar, p. 133. Key, p. 9.3. 

Man's happiness, or misery, are, in a great mea- 
sure, put into his own hands. 

Man is-notsuch a machine as a clock or a watch, 
which move merely as they are moved. 

Despise no infirmity of mind or body, nor any 
condition of life : for they are, perhaps to be your 
own lot. 

Speaking impatiently to servants, or any thing 
that betrays inattention or ill-humour are certainly 
criminal. 

There are many faults in spelling, which neither 
analogy nor pronunciation justify. 

When sickness, infirmity, or reverse of fortune 
affect us,4he sincerity of friendship is proved. 

Let it be remembered, that it is not the uttering 
or the hearing of certain words, that constitute the 
worship of the Almighty. 

A tart reply, a pi oneness to rebuke, or a captious 
and contradictious spirit, are capable of imbittering 
domestic life, and of setting friends at variance. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under rule hi. 

Grammar, p. 133. Key, p. 24. 



Rule 4.) syntax. 85 

1. Either thou or I art greatly mistaken, in our 
judgment on this subject. 

I or thou am the person who must undertake the 
business proposed. 

2. Both of the scholars, or one of them at least, 
was present at the transaction. 

Some parts of the ship and cargo were recovered ; 
but neither the sailors nor the captain, was saved. ' 

Whether one person or more was concerned in 
the business, does not yet appear. 

The cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of rich- 
es, has choked the seeds of virtue in many a pro- 
mising mind. 

RULE IV. 

A noun of multitude, or signifying many, may have 
a verb or pronoun agreeing with it, either of the sin- 
gular or plural number ; yet not without regard to the 
import of the word, as conveying unity or plurality of 
idea : as, " The meeting was large ,*" " The parlia- 
ment is dissolved ;" " The nation is powerfid ;" " My 
people do not consider : they have not known me ;" 
;: The multitude eagerly pursue pleasure as their chief 
good;" " The council were divided in their sentiments." 
Grammar, p. 134. Key, p. 24. 

The people rejoices in that which should give it 
sorrow. 

The flock, and not the fleece, arc, or ought to be, 
the objects of the shepherd's care. 
■" The court have just ended, after having sat 
through the trial of a very long cause. 

The crowd were so great, that the judges with 
difficulty made their way through them. 

The corporation of York consist of a mayor, al- 
dermen, and a common council. 

The British parliament are corhposed of a king, 
lords, and commons. 

v^ j 



56 ' exercises, (Rule 5. 

When the nation complain, the rulers should 
listen to their voice. 

In the days of youth, the multitude eagerly pur- 
sues pleasure as its chief good. 

The church have no power to inflict corporal pu- 
nishment. 

The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. 

The regiment consist of a thousand men. 

The meeting have established several salutary re- 
gulations. 

The council was not unanimous, and it separated 
without coming to any determination. 

The fleet is all arrived and moored in safety. 

This people draweth near to me with their mouth, 
and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is 
far from me. 

The committee was divided in its sentiments, and 
it has referred the business to the general meeting. 

The committee were very full when this point 
was decided : and their judgment has not been call- 
ed in question. 

Why do this generation wish for greater evidence, 
when so much is already given ? 

The remnant of the people were persecuted with 
great severity. 

Never were any people so much infatuated as the 
Jewish nation. 

The shoal of herrings were of an immense extent. 

No society are chargeable with the disapproved 
misconduct of particular members. 



Pronouns must always agree with their antecedents, 
and the nouns for ivhich they stand, in gender and 
number : as, " This is the friend whom I love ;"'" This 
is the vice which I hate ;" " The king and the 5 
had put on their roles ;" " The moon appears and shr 
shines, but the light is not her own" 



Rule 5.) syntax. 57 

The relative is of the same person as the antecedent, , 
and the verb agrees with it accordingly : as, " Thou 
ivho lovest ivisdom ;" " I who speak from experience,' t 

Grammar, p. 135. Key, p. 26. 

The exercise of reason appears as little in these 
sportsmen, as in the beasts whom they sometimes 
hunt, and by whom they are sometimes hunted. 

They which seek wisdom will certainly find her. 

The male amongst birds seems to discover no 
. ^beauty, but in the colour of its species. 

Take handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let 
Moses sprinkle it towards heaven, in the sight of 
Pharaoh ; and it shall become small dust. 

Rebecca took goodly raiment, which were with 
her in the house, and put them upon Jacob. 

The wheel killed another man, which is the sixth 
which have lost their lives, by this means. 

The fair sex, whose task is not to mingle in the la- 
bours of public life, has its own part assigned it to act. 

The Hercules man of war foundered at sea ; she 
overset, and lost most of her men. 

The mind of man cannot be long without some 
food to nourish, the activity of his thoughts. 

What is the reason that our language is less refined 
than those of Italy, Spain, or France ? 

I do northink any one should incur censure for 
being tender of their reputation. 

Thou who has been a witness of the fact, can give 
an account of it. 

In religious concerns, or what is conceived to be 
such, every man must stand or fall by the decision 
of the Great Judge. 

Something like what have been here premised 
are the conjectures of Dryden. 

Thou groat First Cause, i-ast understood! 

Who all my sense, co'nfui'd 
To know but this, that thou art good, 



5S exercises. (Rule 5. 

And that myself am blind : 
Yet gave me in this dark estate, &c. 

What art thou, speak, that, on designs unknown, 
Whilst others sleep, thus range the camp alone. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule v. 

Grammar, p. 135. Key, p. 27. 

1. Whoever entertains such an opinion, he judges 
erroneously. 

The cares of this world they often choke the 
growth of virtue. 

Disappointments and afflictions, however disa- 
greeable, the) 7 often improve us. 

2. Moses was the meekest man whom we read of 
in the Old Testament. 

Humility is one of the most amiable virtues which 
we can possess. 

They are the same persons who assisted us yes- 
terday. 

The men and things which he has studied have 
not improved his morals. 

3. Howsoever beautiful they appear, they have 
no real merit. 

In whatsoever light we view him, his conduct will 
bear inspection. 

On whichsoever side they are contemplated, they 
appear to advantage. 

However much he might despise the maxims of 
the king's administration, he kept a total silence on 
that subject. 

4. Which of them two persons has most distin- 
guished himself? 

None more impatiently suffer injuries, than those 
that are most forward in doing them. 

5. He would not be persuaded but what I was 
greatly in fault. 



Rule 5.) SYNTAX. < 50 

These commendations of his children, appear to 
have been naade in somewhat an injudicious manner. 
- 6. He instructed and fed the crowds who sur- 
rounded him. 

Sidney was one of the wisest and most active go- 
vernors, which Ireland had enjoyed for several 
years. 

He was the ablest minister which James ever 
possessed. 

The court, who gives currency to manners, ought 
to be exemplary. 

I am happy in the friend which I have long proved. 

7. The child whom we have just seen, is whole- 
somely fed, and not injured by bandages or clothing. 

He is like a beast of prey, who destroys without 
pity. 

8. Having once disgusted him, he could never re- 
gain the favour of Nero, who was indeed another 
name for cruelty. 

Flattery, whose nature is to deceive and betray, 
should be avoided as the poisonous adder. 
Who of these men came to his assistance ? 

9. The king dismissed his minister without any 
inquiry^' W'ho had never before committed so unjust 
an action. 

There are millions of people in the empire of 
China, whose support is derived almost entirely 
from rice. 

10. It is remarkable his continual endeavours to 
serve us, notwithstanding our ingratitude. 

It is indisputably true his assertion, though it is a 
paradox. 

11. Ah ! unhappy thee, who art deaf to the call? 
of duty and of honour. 

Oh ! happy we, surrounded with so many bless 
ings. 



60 exercises. (Rule 6. 

RULE VI. 

The relative is the nominative case to Ike verb, when 
no nominative case comes between it and the verb : as, 
M The master who taught us ;" ik The trees which are 
planted." 

When a nominative comes between the relative and 
the verb, the relative is governed by some word in its 
oivn member of the sentence : as, " He who preserves me, 
to whom I owe my being, whose I am, and whom I serve, 
is eternal." 

Grammar, p. 139. Key, p. 29. 

We are dependent on each other's assistance : 
whom is there that can subsist by himself? 

If he will not hear his best friend, whom shall be 
sent to admonish him ? 

They, who much is given to, will have much to 
answer for. 

It is not to be expected that they, whom in early 
life, have been dark and deceitful, should afterwards 
become fair and ingenuous. 

They who have laboured to make us wise and 
good, are the persons who we ought to love a d res- 
pect, and who we ought to be grateful to. 

The persons, who conscience and virtue support, 
may smile at the caprices of fortune. 

From the character of those who you associate 
with, your own will be estimated. 

That is the student who I gave the book to, and 
whom, I am persuaded, deserves it. 

1. Of whom were the articles bought ? Of a mer» 
cer ; he who resides near the mansion house. 

Was any person besides the mercer present ? Yes, 
both him and his clerk. 

Who was the money paid to? To the mercer and 
feis clerk. 

Who counted it ? Both the clerk and him. 



Rule 7, 8.) syntax. GJ. 

RULE VII. 

When the relative is preceded by two nominatives 
ef different persons, the relative and verb may agree 
in person with either, according to the sense ; as, u i 
am the man who command you ;" or, " I am the man 
who commands you." 

Grammar, p. 141. Key, p. 30. 

I acknowledge that 1 am the teacher, who adopt 
that sentiment, and maintains the propriety of such 
measures. 

Thou art a friend that hast often relieved me, 
and that has not deserted me now in the time of 
peculiar need. 

I am the man who approves of wholesome disci- 
pline, and who recommend it to others ; but I am 
not a person who promotes useless severity, or who 
object to mild and generous treatment. 

I perceive that thou art a pupil, who possesses 
bright parts, but who has cultivated them but little. 

Thou art he who breathest on the earth with the 
breath of spring, and who covereth it with verdure 
and beauty. 

I am the Lord thy God, who teacheth thee to pro- 
fit, and who lead thee by the way thou shouldst go. 

Thou art the Lord who did choose Abraham, and 
broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees. 

RULE VIII. 

Every adjective, and every adjective pronoun, be- 
longs to a substantive expressed or understood ; as, 
" He is a good, as well as a wise man ;" " Few are 
happy;" that is, "persons;" "This is a pleasant 
walk ; that is, " this walk is," fyc. 

Adjective pronouns must agree, in number, with 
their substantives, as, " This book, these /• 
that sort, those sorts ; another road, other roads." 
Grammar, p. 141. Key, p. 30. 

These kind of indulgences soften and injure the 
mind. 

G 



62 exercises. (Rid 

Instead of improving yourselves, you have been 
playing this two hours. 

Those sort of favours did real injury, under the 
appearance of kindness. 

The chasm made by the earthquake was twenty 
foot broad, and one hundred fathom in depth. 

How many a sorrow should we avoid, if we were 
not industrious to make them ! 

He saw one or more persons enter the garden. 

The examples ivhich follow are suited to the notes anil 
observations under rule viii. 

Grammar p. 142. Key, p. 31. 

I. ADJECTIVE PRONOUNS.* 

1. Charles was extravagant, and by this mean be- 
came poor and despicable. 

It was by that ungenerous mean that he obtained 
his end. 

Industry is the mean of obtaining competency. 

Though a promising measure, it is a mean which 
I cannot adopt. 

This person embraced every opportunity to dis- 
play his talents ; and by these means rendered him- 
self ridiculous. 

Joseph was industrious, frugal, and discreet ; and 
by this means obtained property and reputation. 

2. Religion raises men above themselves; irreli- 
gion sinks them beneath the brutes; that, binds them 
down to a poor pitiable speck of perishable earth ; 
this, opens for them a prospect to the skies. 

More rain falls in the first two summer months, 
than in the first two winter ones ; but it makes a 
much greater show upon the earth in those than in 
these ; because there is a much slower evaporation. 

* See the Grammar > Rule viii. of Syntax. 



Rule 8.) syntax. 63 

Rex and Tyrannus are of very different charac- 
ters. The one rules his people by laws to which 
they consent; the other by his absolute will and 
power : this is called freedom, that, tyranny. 

3. Each of them, in their turn, receive the bene- 
fits to which they are entitled. 

My counsel to each of you is, that you should 
make it your endeavour to come to a friendly agree- 
ment. 

By discussing what relates to each particular, in 
their order, we shall better understand the subject. 

Every person, whatever be their station, are bound 
by the duties of morality and religion. 

Every leaf, every twig, every drop of water, teem 
with life. 

Every man's heart and temper is productive of 
much inward joy or bitterness. 

Whatever he undertakes, either his pride or his 
folly disgust us. 

Every man and every woman were numbered. 

Neither of those men seem to have any idea that 
their opinions may be ill-founded. . 

When benignity and gentleness reign within, we 
are always least in hazard from without : every per- 
son, and every occurrence, are beheld in the most 
favourable light. 

On either side of the river was there the tree of 
life. 

II. ADJECTIVES. 

4. She reads proper, writes very neat, and com- 
poses accurate. 

He was extreme prodigal, and his property is now 
near exhausted. 

They generally succeeded ; for they lived con- 
formable to the rules of prudence. 

We may reason very clear, and exceeding strong, 



64 exercises. (Rule 8. 

without knowing that there is such a thing as a 
syllogism. 

He had many virtues, and was exceeding beloved. 

The amputation was exceeding w r ell performed, 
and saved the patient's life. 

He came agreeable to his'promise, and conducted 
himself suitable to the occasion. 

He speaks very fluent, reads excellent, but does 
not think very coherent. 

He behaved himself submissive, and was exceed- 
ingcareful not to give offence. 

They rejected the advice, and conducted them- 
selves^ exceedingly indiscreetly. 

He is a person of great abilities, and exceeding 
upright : and is like to be a very useful member of 
the community. 

The conspiracy was the easier discovered, from 
its being known to many. 

Not being fully acquainted with the subject, he 
could affirm no stronger than he did. 

He was so deeply impressed with the subject, 
that few could speak nobler upon it. 

We may credit his testimony, for he says express, 
that he saw the transaction. 

Use a little wine for thy stomach's sake, and thine 
often infirmities. 

From these favourable beginnings, we may hope 
for a soon and prosperous issue. 

He addressed several exhortations to them suitably 
to their circumstances. 

Conformably to their vehemence of thought, was 
their vehemence of gesture. 

We should implant in the minds of youth, such 
seeds and principles of piety and virtue, as are likely 
to take soonest and deepest root. 

Such an amiable disposition will secure universal 
regard. 

Such distinguished virtues seldom occur. 



Rule 8.) syntax. G5 

5. 'Tis more easier to build two chimneys than 
to maintain one. 

The tongue is like a race-horse ; which runs the 
faster the lesser weight it carries. 

The pleasures of the understanding are more pre- 
ferable than those of the imagination, or of sense. 

The nightingale sings : hers is the most sweetest 
voice in the grove. 

The Most Highest hath created us for his glory, 
and for our own happiness. 

The Supreme Being is the most wisest,. and most 
powerfulest, and the most best of beings. 

6. Virtue confers the supremest dignity on man ; 
and should be his chiefest desire. 

His assertion was more true than that of his op- 
ponent ; nay the words of the latter were most un- 
true. 

His work is perfect ; his brother's more perfect : 
and his father's the most perfect of all. 

He gave the fullest and the most sincere proof of 
the truest friendship. 

7. A talent of this kind would, perhaps, prove the 
likeliest of any other to succeed. 

He is the strongest of the two, but not the wisest. 

He spoke with so much propriety, that I under- 
stood him the best of all the others, who spoke on 
the subject.- 

Eve was the fairest of all her daughters. 

8. He spoke in a distinct enough manner to be 
heard by the whole assembly. 

Thomas is equipped with a new pair of shoes, and 
a new pair of gloves : he is the servant of an old 
rich man. 

The two first in the row are cherry-trees, the two 
others are pear-trees. 

<; 2 



. GG exercises. (Rale 9. 

RULE IX. 

. The article a or an agrees with nouns in the singu- 
lar number only, individually or collectively: as, "a 
Christian, an infidel, a score, a thousand" 
1 The definite article the may agree with nouns in 
the singular or plural number: as, " The gardens, 
the houses, the stars " 

The articles are often properly omitted ; when used, 
they should b# justly applied, according to their distinct 
nature : as, " Gold is corrupting ; The sea is green ; 
A lion is bold" 

Grammar, p. 151. Key, p. 35. 

Tbe'fire, the air, the earth, and the water, are 
four elements of the philosophers. 

Reason was given to a man to control his passions. 

We have within us an intelligent principle, dis- 
tinct from body and from matter. 

A man is the noblest.work of creation. 

Wisest and best men sometimes commit errors. 

Beware of drunkenness : it impairs understand- 
ing ; wastes an estate; destroys a reputation; con- 
sumes the body; and renders the man of the bright- 
-est parts the common jest of the meanest clown. 

He is a much better writer than a reader. 

The king has conferred on him the title of a duke. 

There are some evils of life, which equally affect 
prince and people. 

We must act our part with a constancy, though 
reward of our constancy be distant. 

We are placed here under a trial of our virtue. 

The virtues like his are not easily acquired. Such 
qualities honour the nature of man. 

Purity has its seat in the heart ; but extends its 
influence over so much of outward conduct, as to 
form the great and material part of a character. 

The profligate man is seldom or never found to 
be the good husband, the good father, or the bene- 
ficent neighbour. 



Rule 10.) syntax. 67 

True chanty is not the meteor, which occasionally 
glares ; but the luminary, which, in its orderly and 
regular course, dispenses benignant influence. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes ami 
observations under rule jx. 

Grammar, p. 151, 152. Key, p. 35. 

1. He has been much censured for conducting 
himself with a little attention to his business. 

So bold a breach of order, called fur little severi- 
ty in punishing the offender. 

His error was accompanied with so little contri- 
tion and candid acknowledgment, that he found a 
few persons to intercede for him. * 

There were so many mitigating circumstances 
attending his misconduct, particularly that of his 
open confession, that he found few friends who were 
disposed to interest themselves in his favour. 

As his misfortunes were the fruit of his own obsti- 
nacy, a few persons pitied him. 

2. The fear of shame, and desire of approbation, 
prevent many bad actions. 

In this business he was influenced by a just and 
generous principle. 

He was fired with a desire of doing something, 
though he knew not yet, with distinctness, either 
end or means. 

3. At worst, I could but incur a gentle reprimand, 
. At best, his gift was but a poor offering, when we 

consider his estate. 



One substantive governs another, signifying a dif- 
ferent thing, in the possessive or genitive case : as, 
"My father's house ; 5; "Man's happiness;" " Vir- 
tue's reward." 

Grammar, p. 153. Key, p. 30. 



68 exercises, (Rule 10. 

My ancestors virtue is not mine. 

His brothers offence will not condemn* him. 

I will not destroy the city for ten sake. 

Nevertheless, Asa; his heart was perfect with the 
Lord". 

A mothers tenderness and a fathers care are na- 
tures gifts' for mans advantage. 

A mans manner's frequently influence his fortune. 

Wisdoms precepts' form the good mans interest 
and happiness. 

They slew Varus, he that was mentioned before. 
They slew Varus, who was him that I mentioned 
before. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule x. 

Grammar, p. 154. Key, p. 37. 

1. It was the men's, women's, and children's lot 
to suffer great calamities. 

Peter's, John's, and Andrew's, occupation, was 
that of fishermen. 

This measure gained the king, as well as the peo- 
ple's approbation. 

Not only the counsel's, and attorney's, but the 
judge's opinion also, favoured his cause. 

2. And he cast himself down at Jesus feet. 
Moses rod was turned into a serpent. 

For Herodias sake, his brother Philips wife. 

If ye suffer for righteousness's sake, happy are ye. 

Ye should be subject for conscience's sake. 

3. They very justly condemned the prodigal's, as 
he was called, senseless and extravagant conduct. 

They implicitly obeyed the protector's, as they 
called him, imperious mandates. 

4. I bought the knives at Johnson's, the cutler's. 
' The silk was purchased at Brown's, the mere 
and haberdasher's. 



Rule 10.) syntax. 69 

Lord Feversham the general's tent. 

This palace had been the grand sultan's Maho- 
met's. 

1 will not for David's thy father's sake. 

He took refuge at the governor the king's repre- 
sentative's. 

Whose works are these ? They are Cicero, the 
most eloquent of men's. 

5. The world's government is not left to chance. 
She married my son's wife's brother. 

This is my wife's brother's partner's house. 

It was necessary to have both the physician's and 
the surgeon's advice. 

The extent of the prerogative of the king of Eng- 
land, is sufficiently ascertained. 

6. This picture of the king's does not much re- 
semble him. 

These pictures of the king were sent to him from 
Italy. 

This estate of the corporation's is much encum- 
bered. 

That js the eldest son of the king of England's. 

7. What can be the cause of the parliament neg- 
lecting so important a business? 

Much depends on this rule being observed. 

The time of William making the experiment, at 
length arrived. 

It is very probable that this assembly was called, 
to clear some doubt which the king had, about the 
lawfulness of the Hollanders their throwing off the 
monarchy of Spain, and their withdrawing entirely 
their allegiance to that crown. 

If we alter the situation of any of the words, we 
shall presently be sensible of the melody suffering. 

Such will ever be the effect of youth associating 
with vicious companions. 



74) exercises. (Rule 11. 

RULE XI. 

Active verbs govern the objective case ': as, " Truth 
ennobles her ;" " She comforts me ;" " They support 
us ;" " Virtue rewards her followers." 

Grammar, p. 159. Key, p. 38. 

They who opulence has made proud, and who 
luxury has corrupted, cannot relish the simple plea- 
sures of nature.- 

You have reason to dread his wrath, which one 
day will destroy ye both. 

Who have I reason to love so much as this friend 
of my youth. 

Ye, who were dead, hath he quickened. 

Who did they entertain so freely? 

The man who he raised from obscurity, is dead. 

Ye only have I known of all the families of the 
earth. 

He and they we know, but who are you? 

She that is idle and mischievous, reprove sharply. 

Who did they send to him on so important an 
errand. 

That is the friend who you must receive cordially, 
and who you cannot esteem too highly. 

He invited my brother and I to see and examine 
his library. 

He who committed the offence, you should cor- 
rect, not I who am innocent. 

We should fear and obey the Author of our being, 
even He who has power to reward or punish us for 
ever. 

They who he had most injured, he had the 
greatest reason to love. 

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xi. 

Grammar, p. 160. Key, p. 39. 

1. Though he now takes pleasure in them, he 



Rule 11.) SYNTAX. 7i 

will one day repent him of indulgences so unwar- 
rantable. 

The nearer his virtues approached him to the 
great example before him, the humbler he grew. 

It will be very difficult to agree his conduct with 
the principles he professes. 

2. To ingratiate with some by traducing others, 
s marks a base and despicable mind. 

I shall premise with two or three general obser- 
vations. 

3. If such maxims, and such practices prevail, 
what has become of decency and virtue ? 

I have come according to the time proposed ; but 
I have fallen upon an evil hour. 

The mighty rivals are now at length agreed. 

The influence of his corrupt example was then 
entirely ceased. 

He was entered into the connection, before the 
consequences were considered. 
- 4 * Well may you be afraid ; it is him indeed. 

I would act the same part if I were him, or in his 
situation. 

Search the scripture* ; for in them ye think ye 
have eternal life : and they tire them which testify 
of me. 

Be composed : it is me : you have no cause for fear. 

I canot tell who lias befriended me, unless it is 
him from whom I receive many benefits. 

I know not whether it were .them who conducted 
the business ; but I am certain it was not him. 

* When the verb lo be is understood, it has the same case before 
and after if, as when it is expressed : as, " lie seems the leader of. 
the party ;" " He sjial! continue steward ;" " They appointed me 
executor ;" " 1 supposed him to be a man of learning ;'" that i«. " Be 
seems/o be the leader of the party," &c. — Nouns in Apposition are 
in the same case : as, " We named the man Pompey ;*' '* They may 
term Charles a visionary, but they canaot call him a deceiver;' 
" Hortensius died a martyr ." 4 ' The gentle Sidney lived the shejv 
herd's friend." 



72 exercises. (Rule 12. 

He so much resembled my brother, that, at first 
sight, I took it to be he. 

After all their professions, is it possible to be them r 

It could not have been her, for she always behaves 
discreetly. 

If it was not him, who do you imagine it to have 
been ? 

Who do you think him to be ? 

Whom do people say that we are ? 

5. Whatever others do, let thou and I act wisely. 

Let them and we unite to oppose this growing 
evil. 

RULE. XII. 

One verb governs another that follows it, or depends 
upon it, in the infinitive mood : as " Cease to do evil ; 
learn to do well ;" " We should be prepared to render 
mi account of our actions." 

The preposition to, though generally used before the 
latter verb, is sometimes properly omitted: as, " J 
heard him say it;" instead of "to say it." 

Grammar, p. 161. Key, p. 40. 

It is better live on a little, than outlive a great deal. 

You ought not to wHk too hastily. 

I wish him not wreslfe with his happiness. 

I need not to solicit him to do a kind action. 

I dare not to proceed so hastily, lest I should give 
offence. 

I have seen some young persons to conduct them- 
selves very discreetly. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under rule xii. 

Grammar, p, 162. Key, p. 40. 

1. It is a great support to virtue, when we see a 
good mind to maintain its patience and tranquillity, 
under injuries and affliction, and to cordially forgive 
its oppressors. 



Rule 1*5.) syntax. 73 

It is the difference of their conduct, which makc^ 
us to approve the one, and to reject the other. 

We should not be like many persons, to depre- 
ciate the virtues we do not possess. 

To see young persons who are courted by health 
and pleasure, to resist all the allurements of vice, 
and to steadily pursue virtue and knowledge, is cheer- 
ing and delightful to every good mind. 

They acted with so much reserve, that some per- 
sons doubted them to be sincere. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw the 
lame to walk, and the blind to see. 

RULE XIII. 

In the use of words and phrases which, in point of time. 
relate to each other, a due regard to that relation should 
he observed. Instead of saying, " The Lord hath given , 
and the Lord hath taken away ;" we should say " The 
Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken awayP Instead 
of, " I remember the family more than twenty years;" 
it should be, " I have remembered the family more than 
twenty years." 

Grammar, p. 1G3. Key, p. 41. 

The next new year's day I shall be at school three 
years. 

And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak. 

I should be obliged to him, if he will gratify me 
in that particular. 

And the multitude wondered, when they saw the 
dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame 
walk, and the blind seeing. 

I have compassion on the multitude, because the 
continue with me now three days. 

In the treasury belonging to the Cathedral in 
city, is preserved with the greatest veneration, foi 
upwards of six hundred years, a dish which the) 
pretend to be made of emerald. 
H 



74 exercises. (Rule 13. 

The court of Rome gladly laid bold on all the op- 
portunities, which the imprudence, weakness, or ne- 
cessities of princes, afford it, to extend its authority. 
Fierce as he mov'd his silver shafts resound. 

They maintained that Scripture conclusion, that 
all mankind rise from one head. 

John will earn his wages, when his service is 
completed. 

Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life. 

Be that as it will, he cannot justify his conduct. 

I have been at London a year, and seen the king 
last summer. 

After we visited London, we returned, content and 
thankful, to our retired and peaceful habitation. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 

observations under rule xiii. 

Grammar, p. 164. Key, p. 42. 

1. I purpose to go to London in a few months, 
and after T shall finish my business there, to proceed 
to America. 

These prosecutions of William seem to be the most 
iniquitous measures pursued by the court during the 
time that the use of parliaments was suspended. 

From the little conversation I had with him, he 
appeared to have been a man of letters. 

I always intended to have rewarded my son, ac- 
cording to his merit. 

It would, on reflection, have given me great satis- 
faction, to relieve him from that distressed situation. 

It required so much care, that I thought I should 
have lost it before I reached home. 

We have done no more than it was our duty to 
have done. 

He would have assisted one of his friends, if he could 
do it without injuring the other; but as that could 
not have been done, he avoided all interference'. 



Rule 14.) syntax, 75 

Must it not be expected, that be would have de- 
fended an authority, which had been so long exer- 
cised without controversy ? 

These enemies of Christianity were confounded, 
whilst they were expecting to have found an oppor- 
tunity to have betrayed its Author. 

His sea sickness was so great, that I often feared 
he would have died before our arrival. 

If these persons had intended to deceive, they 
would have taken care to have avoided, what would 
expose them to the objections of their opponents. 

It was a pleasure to have received his approba- 
tion of my labours ; for which I cordially thanked 
him. 

It would have afforded me still greater pleasure, 
to receive his approbation at an earlier period : but 
to receive it at all, reflected credit upon me. 

To be censured by him, would soon have proved 
an insuperable discouragement. 

Him portion'd maids, apprenticed orphans blest, 
The young who labour, and the old who rest. 

The doctor, in his lecture, said, that fever always 
produced thirst. 

RULE XIV. 

Participles have the same government as the verbs 
have from which they are thrived : as, " / am weary 
with hearing ;" " She is instructing us ;" " The 
tutor is admonishing Charles.''* 

Grammar, p. 167. Key, p. 4 \, 
.Esteeming theirselves wise, they became fools. 
Suspecting not only ye, but they also, I was stu- 
dious to avoid all intercourse. 



* Though (hi* participle is not a part of speech distinct front the 
reirbj yet as il forms a particular and sinking part of the verb, and 
has some rules and observations which are peculiar to it, we mink 
it is entitled to a separate distinctive considcraliojj. 



76 exercises. (Rule 14. 

I could not avoid considering, in some degree, 
they as enemies to me ; and he as a suspicious 
friend. 

From having exposed himself too freely in differ- 
ent climates, he entirely lost his health. 

The examples which follow, are suited to the notes and 

observations under rule xiv. 

Grammar, p. 167. Key. p. 45. 

1. By observing of truth, you will command es- 
teem, as well as secure peace. 

He prepared them for this event, by the sending 
to them proper information. 

A person may be great or rich by chance : but 
cannot be wise or good, without the taking pains 
for it. 

Nothing could have made her so unhappy, as the 
marrying a man who possessed such principles. 

The changing times and seasons, the removing 
and setting up kings, belong to Providence alone. 

The middle station of life seems to be the most 
advantageously situated for gaining of wisdom. 
Poverty turns our thoughts too much upon the sup- 
ply mg our. wants; and riches upon the enjoying our 
superfluities. 

Pliny, speaking of Cato the Censor's disapproving 
the Grecian orators, expressed himself thus. 

Propriety of pronunciation is the giving to every 
word that sound, which the most polite usage of the 
language appropriates to it. 

The not attending to this rule, is the cause of a 
very common error. 

This was in fact a converting the deposit to his 
own use. 

2. There will be no danger of their spoiling their 
faces, or of their gaining converts. 

For his avoiding that precipice, he is indebted to 
his friend's care. 



Rule 1 4.) syntax. 77 

It was from our misunderstanding the directions* 
that we lost our way. 

In tracing of his history, we discover little that is 
worthy of imitation. 

By reading of books written by the best authors, 
his mind became highly improved. 

3. By too eager pursuit, he «run a great risk of 
being disappointed. 

He had not long enjoyed repose, before he begun 
to be weary of having nothing to do. 

He was greatly heated, and drunk with aviditv. 

Though his conduct was in some respects, ex- 
ceptionable, yet he dared not commit so great an of- 
fence, as that which was proposed to him. 

A second deluge learning thus o'er-run : 

And the monks finish'd what the Goths begun. 

If some events bad not fell out very unexpectedly, 
I should have been present. 

He would have went with us had he been invited. 

He returned the goods which he had stole, and 
made all the reparation in his power. 

They have chose the part of honour and virtue. 

His vices have weakened his mind, and broke his 
health. 

He had mistook his true interest, and found him- 
self forsook by his former adherents. 

The bread that has been eat is soon forgot. 

No contentions have arose amongst them since 
their reconciliation. 

The cloth had no seam, but was wove through- 
out 

The French language is spoke in every state in 
Europe. 

His resolution was too st-rang to be shook by 
?%bt opposition. 

H 3 



78 exercises. {Rule 15. 

He was not much restrained afterwards, having 
took improper liberties at first. 

He has not yet wore off the rough manners, which 
he brought with him. 

You who have forsook your friends, are entitled 
to no confidence. 

They who have bore a part in the labour, shall 
share the rewards. # 

When the rules have been wantonly broke, there 
can be no plea for favour. 

He writes as the best authors would have wrote, 
had they writ on the Fame subject. 

He heapt up great riches, but past his time mise- 
rably. 

He talkt and stampt with such vehemence, that 
he was suspected to be insane. 



Adverbs, though they have no government of case, 
tense, <§-c. require an appropriate situation in the sen- 
tence, viz. for the most part before adjectives, after 
verbs- active or neuter, and frequently between the 
auxiliary and the verb; as, u Me made a very sensi- 
ble discourse ; he spoke unaffectedly and forcibly, and 
teas attentively heard by the whole assembly. 11 

Grammar, p. 169. Key, p. 43. 

He was pleasing not often, because he was vain. 

William nobly acted, though he was unsuccessful. 

We may happily live though our possessions are 
small. 

From whence we may date likewise the period of 
this event. 

It cannot be impertinent or ridiculous therefore to 
remonstrate. 

He offered an apology, which being not admitted,, 
he became submissive. 

These things should be never separated. 



■PS 



Rule 15.) syntax. 79 

Unless he have more government of himself, he 
will be always discontented. 

Never sovereign was so much beloved by the 
people. 

He was determined to invite back the king, and 
to call together his friends. 

So well educated a boy gives great hopes to his 
friends. 

Not only he found her employed, but pleased and 
tranquil also. 

We always should prefer our duty to our pleasure. 

It is impossible continually to be at work. 

The heavenly bodies are in motion perpetually. 

Having not known, or having not considered, the 
measures proposed, he failed of success. 

My opinion was given on rather a cursory perusal 
of the book. 

It is too common with mankind, to be engrossed, 
and overcome totally, by present events. 

When the Romans were pressed with a foreign 
enemy, the women contributed all their rings and 
jewels voluntarily, to assist the government. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 

observations under rule xv. 

Grammar, p. 171. Key, p. 49. 

1. They could not persuade him, though they 
were never so eloquent. 

If some persons' opportunities were never so fa- 
vourable, they would be too indolent to improve 
them. 

2. He drew up a petition, where he too freely re- 
presented his own merits. 

His follies had reduced him to a situation where 
he had much to fear, and nothing to hope. 

It is reported that the prince will come here to- 
morrow. 

CJeorge is active ; he walked there in les^ than an 
h.mn\ 



« 



.90 exercises. (Rule 16, 

Where are you all-going in such haste ? 
Whither have they been since they left the city : 

3. Charles left the seminary too early, since when 
lie has made very little improvement. 

Nothing is better worth the while of young per- 
sons, than the acquisition of knowledge and virtue. 



Two negatives, in English, destroy one another, or 
arc equivalent to an affirmative: as, " Nor did they 
not perceive him ,*" that is, " they did perceive him" 
■" His language, though inelegant, is not ungramma- 
lical ;" that is, " it is grammatical." 

Grammar, p. 172. Key, p. 50. 

Neither riches nor honours, nor no such perish- 
ing goods, can satisfy the desires of an immortal 
spirit. 

Be honest, nor take no shape nor semblance of 
disguise. 

We need not, nor do not, confine his operations 
to narrow limits. 

I am resolved not to comply with the proposal, 
neither at present, nor at any other time. 

There cannot be nothing more insignificant than 
vanity. 

Nothing never affected her so much as this mis- 
conduct of her child. 

Do not interrupt me yourselves, nor let no one 
disturb my retirement. 

These people do not judge wisely, nor take no 
proper measures to effect their purpose. 

The measure is so exceptionable, that we cannoi 
\y no means permit it. 

I have received no information on the subject 
neither from him nor from his friend. 

Precept nor discipline is not so forcible asextfragjfv 



Rule 17.) syntax. 91 

The king nor the queen was not at all deceived 
in the business. 

RULE XVII. 

Prepositions govern the objective case : tf$, " I 
have heard a good character of her ;" " From him that 
is needy turn not away;" "A word to the wise is 
sufficient for them ';" " We may be good and happy 
without riches" 

Grammar, p. 172. Key, p. 50. 

We are all accountable creatures, each for hisself. 

They willingly, and of theirselves, endeavoured 
to make up the difference. 

He laid the suspicion upon somebody, I know not 
who, in the company. 

I hope it is not I who he is displeased with. 

To poor we there is not much hope remaining. 

Does that boy know who he speaks to ? Who 
does he offer such language to ? 

It was not he that they were so angry with. 

What concord can subsist between those who 
commit crimes, and they who abhor them ? 

The person who I travelled with, has sold the 
horse which he rode on during our journey. 

It is not I he is engaged with. 

Who did he receive that intelligence from ? 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule xvii. 

Grammar, p. 173. Key, p. 51. 

1. To have no one whom we heartily wish well 
to, and whom we are warmly concerned for, is a 
deplorable state. 

lie is a friend whom I am highly indebted to. 

2. On these occasions, the pronoun is governed by, 
and consequently agrees with, the preceding word. 



82 exercises. (Ride 17. 

They were refused entrance into, and forcibly 
driven from, the house. 

3. We are often disappointed of things, which, 
before possession, promised much enjoyment. 

I have frequently desired their company, but have 
always hitherto been disappointed in that pleasure. 

4. She finds a difficulty of fixing her mind. 

Her sobriety is no derogation to her understand- 
ing. 

There was no water, and he died for thirst. 

We can fully confide on none but the truly good. 

I have no occasion of his services. 

Many have profited from good advice. 

Many ridiculous practices have been brought in 
vogue. 

The error was occasioned by compliance to ear- 
nest entreaty. 

This is a principle in unison to our nature. 

We should entertain no prejudices to simple and 
rustic persons. 

They are at present resolved of doing their duty. 

That boy is known under the name of the Idler, 

Though conformable* with custom, it is not war- 
rantable. 

This remark is founded in truth. 

His parents think on him, and his improvement?, 
with pleasure and hope. 

His excuse was admitted of by his master. 

What went ye out for to see ? 

There appears to have been a million men brought 
into the field. 

His present was accepted of by his friends. 

More than a thousand of men were destroyed. 

It is my request, that he will be particular in 
speaking to the following points. 

The Saxons reduced the greater part of Britain 
to their own power. 



"Mule 18.) syntax. 33 

He 'lives opposite the Royal Exchange. 

Their house is situated to the north-east side of 
the road. 

The performance was approved of by all who 
understood it. 

He was accused with having acted unfairly. 

She has an abhorrence to all deceitful conduct. 

They were some distance from home, when the 
accident happened. 

His deportment w r as adapted for conciliating re- 
gard. 

My father writes me very frequently. 

Their conduct was agreeable with their profession. - 

We went leisurely above stairs, and came hastily 
below. We shall write up stairs this forenoon, and 
down stairs in the afternoon. 

The politeness of the world has the same resem- 
blance with benevolence, that the shadow has with 
the substance. 

He had a taste of such studies, and pursued them 
earnestly. 

When we have had a true taste for the pleasures 
of virtue, we can have no relish of those of vice. 

How happy is it to know how to live at times by 
one's self, to leave one's self in regret, to find one's 
self again with pleasure ! The world is then less 
necessary for us. 

Civility makes its way among every kind of per- 
sons. 

5. I have been to London, after having resided a 
year at France ; and I now live in Islington. 

They have just landed in Hull, and are going for 
Liverpool. They intend to reside some time at 
Ireland. 

EUHLE XVIII. 

Conjunctions connect the same mooch and tenti 
verbs, and cases of nouns and pronouns : as, '• Can- 



84 exercises. (Rule 18. 

iour is to be approved and practised ;" " If thou sin- 
cerely desire, and earnestly pursue virtue, she will 
Assuredly be found by thee, and prove a rich reward ;" 
•* The master taught her and me to write f " He and 
she were schoolfellows" 

Grammar, p. 176. Key, p. 53. 

Professing regard, and to act differently, discover 
a base mind. 

Did he not tell me his fault, and entreated me tp 
forgive him ? 

My brother and him are tolerable grammarians. 

If he understood the subject, and attends to it in- 
dustriously, he can scarcely fail of success. 

You and us enjoy many privileges. 

If a man have a hundred sheep, and one of them 
is gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, 
and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that 
which is gone astray ? 

She and him are very unhappily connected. 

To be moderate in our views, and proceeding 
temperately in the pursuit of them, is the best way 
to ensure success. 

Between him and I there is some disparity of 
years ; but none between him and she. 

By forming themselves on fantastic models, and 
ready to vie with one another in the reigning follies, 
the young begin with being ridiculous, and end with 
feeing vicious and immoral. 

The following sentences exemplify the notes and 
observations under rule xviii. 

Grammar, p. 177. Key, p. 54. 

1. We have met with many disappointments; and. 
jf life continue, shall probably meet with many more. 

Rank may confer influence, but will not necessa- 
rily produce virtue. 



Rule 19.) syntax. 85 

He does not want courage, but is defective in sen- 
sibility. 

These people have indeed acquired great riches, 
but do not command esteem. 

Our seasons of improvement is short ; and, whe- 
ther used or not, will soon pass away. 

He might have been happy, and is now fully con- 
vinced of it. 

Learning strengthens the mind ; and, if properly 
applied, will improve our morals too. 

RULE XIX. 

Some conjunctions require the indicative, some tht 
subjunctive mood, after them. It is a general rule, 
that when something contingent or doubtful is implied, 
the subjunctive ought to be used : as, " If I were to 
write, he would not regard it ;" " He will not be par- 
doned, unless he repent." 

Conjunctions that are of a positive and absolute 
nature, require the indicative mood. " As virtue ad- 
vances, so vice recedes ;" "He is healthy, because lu 
is temperate." 

Grammar, p. 178. Key, p. 54. 

If he acquires riches, they will corrupt his mind, 
and be useless to others. 

Though he urges me yet more earnestly, I shall 
not comply, unless he advances more. forcible rea- 
sons, 

I shall walk inj^he fields to-day, unless it rains. 

As the governess were present, the children 
haved properly. 

She disapproved the measure, because it were 
very improper. 

Though he be high, he hath respect to the Jowly. 

Though he were her friend, he did not attempt to 
justify her conduct. # 

Whether he improve or not, I cannot determine. 



S6 exercises. (Rule 19. 

Though the fact be extraordinary, it certainly did 
happen. 

Remember what thou wert, and be humble. 

O! that his heart was tender, and susceptible of 
the woes of others. 

Shall then this verse to future age pretend, 
Thou wert my guide, philosopher, and friend ? 

The examples ivhick folloiv are suited to the notes and 
observations under rule xix. 

Grammar, p. 179. Key, p. 55. 

1. Despise not any condition, lest it happens to 
be your own, 

Let him that is sanguine, take heed lest he mis- 
carries. 

Take care that thou breakest not any of the es- 
tablished rules. 

If he does but intimate his desire, it will be suf- 
ficient to produce obedience. 

At the time of his return, if he is but expert in 
the business, he will find employment. 

If he do but speak to display his abilities, he is 
unworthy of attention. 

If he be but in health, I am content. 

If he does promise, he will certainly perform. 

Though he do praise her, it is only for her beauty. 

If thou dost not forgive, perhaps thou wilt not be 
forgiven. 

If thou do sincerely believe the truths of religion, 
act accordingly. 

2. His confused behaviour made it reasonable to 
suppose that he were guilty. 

He is so conscious of deserving the rebuke, that 
iie dare not make any reply. 

His apology was so plausible, that many befriend^- 
ed him, and thought he were innocent. 



Rule 19.) syntax. 87 

3. If one man prefer a life of industry, it is be- 
cause he has an idea of comfort in wealth ; if an- 
other prefers a life of gaiety, it is from a like idea 
concerning pleasure. 

No one engages in that business, unless he aim at 
reputation, or hopes for some singular advantage. 

Though the design be laudable, and is favourable 
to our interest, it will involve much anxiety and 
labour. 

4. Unless he learns faster, he will be no scholar. 
Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down. 
On condition that he comes, I will consent to 

stay. 

However that affair terminates, my conduct will 
be unimpeachable. 

if virtue rewards us not so soon as we desire, the 
payment will be made with interest. 

Till repentance composes his mind, he w r ill be a 
stranger to peace. 

Whether he confesses or not, the truth will cer- 
tainly be discovered. 

If thou censurest uncharitably, thou wilt be en- 
titled to no favour. 

Though, at times, the ascent to the temple of vir- 
tue, appears steep and craggy, be not discouraged. 
Persevere until thou gainest the summit: there, all 
is order, beauty, and pleasure. 

If Charlotte desire to gain esteem and love, she 
does not employ the proper means. 

Unless the accountant deceive mc, my estate is 
considerably improved. 

Though self-government produce some uneasi- 
ness, it is light when compared with the pain of vi- 
cious indulgence. 

Whether he thinks as he speaks, time will dis- 
cover. 

If thou censure uncharitably, thou descrvest no 
favour. 



S8 exercises. (Rule 19. 

Though virtue appear severe, she is truly amiable. 
Though success be very doubtful, it is proper that 
he endeavours to succeed. 

5. If thou have promised, be faithful to thy en- 
gagement. 

Though he have proved his right to submission, 
he is too generous to exact it. 

Unless he have improved, he is unfit for the office. 

6. If thou had succeeded, perhaps thou wouldst 
not be the happier for it. 

Unless thou shall see the propriety of the measure, 
we shall not desire thy support. 

Though thou will not acknowledge, thou canst 
not deny the fact. 

7. If thou gave liberally, thou wilt receive a libe- 
ral reward. 

Though thou did injure him, he harbours no re- 
sentment. 

It would be well, if the report was only the mis- 
representation of her enemies. 

Was he ever so great and opulent, this conduct 
would debase him. 

Was I to enumerate all her virtues, it would look 
like flattery. 

Though I was perfect, yet would I not presume. 

8. If thou may share in his labours, be thankful, 
and do it cheerfully. 

Unless thou can fairly support the cause, give it 
up honourably. 

Though thou might have foreseen the danger, 
thou couldst not have avoided it. 

If thou could convince him, he would not act 
accordingly. 

If thou would improve in knowledge, be diligent. 

Unless thou should make a timely retreat, the 
danger will be unavoidable. 



Rule 19.) syntax. 89 

I have laboured and wearied myself, that thou 
may be at ease. 

He enlarged on those dangers, that thou should 
avoid them. 

9. Neither the cold or the fervid, but characters 
uniformly warm, are formed for friendship. 

They are both praise-worthy, and one is equally 
deserving as the other. 

He is not as diligent and learned as his brother. 

I will present it to him myself, or direct it to be 
given to him. 

Neither despise or oppose what thou dost not un- 
derstand. 

The house is not as commodious as we expected 
it would be. 

I must, however, be so candid to own I have been 
mistaken. 

There was something so amiable, and yet so 
piercing in his look, as affected me*at once with 
love and terror. 

-" I gain'd a son ; 



And such a son, as all men hail'd me happy." 

The dog in the manger would not eat the hay 
himself, nor suffer the ox to eat it. 

As far as I am able to judge, the book is well 
written. 

We should faithfully perform the trust committed 
to us, or ingenuously relinquish the charge. 

He is not as eminent, and as much esteemed as he 
thinks himself to be. 

The work is a dull performance ; and is neither 
capable of pleasing the understanding, or the ima- 
gination. 

There is no condition so secure, as cannot admit 
of change. 

This is an event, which nobody presumes upon, 
or is so sanguine to hope for. 
12 



90 exercises. (Rule 20. 

We are generally pleased with any little accom- 
plishments of body or mind. 

10. Be ready to succour such persons who need 
thy assistance. 

The matter was no sooner proposed, but he pri- 
vately withdrew to consider it. 

He has too much sense and prudence than to be- 
come a dupe to such artifices. 

It is not sufficient that our conduct, as far as it 
respects others, appears to be unexceptionable. 

The resolution was not the less fixed, that the se- 
cret was yet communicated to very few. 

He opposed the most remarkable corruptions of 
the church of Rome, so as that his doctrines were 
embraced by great numbers. 

He gained nothing further by his speech, but only 
to be commended for his eloquence, *? 

He has little more of the scholar besides the name. 

He has little of the scholar than the name. 

They had no sooner risen, but they applied them- 
selves to their studies. 

From no other institution, besides the admirable 
one.of juries, could so great a benefit be expected. 

Those savage people seemed to have no other 
element but war. 

Such men that act treacherously ought to be 
avoided. 

Germany ran the same risk as Italy had done. 

No errors are so trivial, but they deserve to be 
corrected. 



When the qualities of different things are compared, 
the latter noun or pronoun is not governed by the con- 
junction than or as, but agrees ivith the verb, or is 
governed by the verb or the preposition, expressed or 



Rule 20.) syntax. 91 

understood : as, " Thou art wiser than /;" that is, 
" than I am." " They loved him more than me ;" 
that is, " more than they loved me" " The sentiment 
is well expressed by Plato, but much better by Solo- 
mon than him ;" that is, " than by him" 

Grammar, p. 187. Key, p. 60. 

In some respects, we have had as many advan- 
tages as them ; but in the article of a good library 
they have had a greater privilege than us. 

The undertaking was much better executed by his 
brother then he. 

They are much greater gainers than me by this 
unexpected event. 

They know how to write as well as him ; but he 
is a much better grammarian than them. 

Though she is not so learned as him, she is as 
much beloved and respected. 

These people, though they possess more shining 
qualities, are not so proud as him, nor so vain as her. 

The following examples are adapted to the notes and 
observations under rule xx. 

Grammar, p. 188. Key, p. 60. 

I. Who betrayed her companion I Not me. 

Who revealed the secrets he ought to hare con- 
cealed ? Not him. 

Who related falsehoods to screen herself, and to 
bring an odium upon others? Norm#; it was her. 

There is but one in fault, and that is me. 

Whether he will be learned or no, must depend 
on his application. 

Charles XII. of Sweden, than who a more cou- 
rageous person never lived, appears to have been 
destitute of the tender sensibilities of nature. 

Salmasius (a more learned man than him has sel- 
dom appeared) was not happy at the close of life. 



92 exercises. (Rule 21. 

RULE XXI. 

To avoid disagreeable repetitions, and to express 
our ideas in few ivords, an ellipsis, or omission of 
some words, is frequently admitted. 

Grammar, p. 183. Key, p. 61. 

I gladly shunned who gladly fled from me. 

And this is it men mean by distributive justice, 
and is properly termed equity. 

His honour, interest, religion, were all embarked 
in this undertaking. 

When so good a man as Socrates fell a victim to 
the madness of the people, truth, virtue, religion, 
fell with him. 

The fear of death, nor hope of life, could make 
feim submit to a dishonest action. 

An elegant house and furniture were, by this 
event, irrecoverably lost to the owner. 

The examples which follow are suited to the notes and 

observations under rule xxi. 

Grammar, p. 139. Key, p. 62. 

1. These rules are addressed to none but the in- 
telligent and the attentive. 

The gay and the pleasing are, sometimes, the 
most insidious, and the most dangerous companions. 

Old age will prove a joyless and a dreary season, 
if we arrive at it with an unimproved, or with a 
corrupted mind. 

The more#s#l of his conduct, I like him better. 

It is not only the duty, but interest of young per- 
sons, to be studious and diligent. 

2. These counsels were the dictates of virtue, and 
the dictates of true honour. 

Avarice and cunning may acquire an estate ; but 
avarice and cunning cannot gain friends. 

A taste for useful knowledge, will provide for li- 
ft great and noble entertainment, when others leave 
US'. 



Rule 21.) syntax. 93 

Without firmness, nothing that is great can be un- 
dertaken ; that is difficult or hazardous, can be ac- 
complished. 

The anxious man is the votary of riches ; the neg- 
ligent, of pleasure. 

3. His crimes had brought him into extreme dis" 
tress, and extreme perplexity. 

He has an affectionate brother, and an affection- 
ate sister, and they live in great harmony. 

We must guard against too great severity, and 
facility of manners. 

We should often recollect what the wisest men 
have said and written, concerning human happiness 
and vanity. 

Tbat species of commerce will produce great gain 
or loss. 

Many days, and even weeks, pass away unim- 
proved. 

This wonderful action struck the beholders with 
exceeding astonishment. 

The people of this country possess a healthy cli- 
mate and soil. 

They enjoy also a free constitution and laws. 

4. His reputation and his estate were both lost by 
gaming. 

This intelligence not only excited our hopes, but 
fears too. 

His conduct is not scandalous ; and that is the 
best can be said of it. 

This was the person whom calumny had greatly 
abused, and sustained the injustice with singular 
patience. 

He discovered some qualities in the youth, of a 
disagreeable nature, and to him were wholly unac- 
countable. 

The captain had several men died in his ship, of 
the scurvy. 



04 exercises* (Rule 21. 

He is not only sensible and learned, but is reli- 
gious too. 

The Chinese language contains an immense num- 
ber of words ; and who would learn them must pos- 
sess a great memory. 

By presumption and by vanity, we provoke en- 
mity, and we incur contempt. 

In the circumstances I was at that time, my trou- 
bles pressed heavily upon me. 

He has destroyed his constitution, by the very 
same errors that so many have been destroyed. 

5. He is temperate, he is disinterested, he is be- 
nevolent ; he is an ornament to his family, and a 
credit to his profession. 

Genuine virtue supposes our benevolence to be 
Strengthened, and to be confirmed by principle. 

Perseverance in laudable pursuits, will reward all 
our toils, and will produce effects beyond our cal- 
culation. 

It is happy for us, when we can calmly and deli- 
berately look back on the past, and can quietly an- 
ticipate the future. 

The sacrifices of virtue will not only be rewarded 
hereafter, but recompensed even in this life. 

All those possessed of any office, resigned their 
former commission. 

If young persons were determined to conduct 
themselves by the rules of virtue, not only would 
they escape innumerable dangers, but command 
respect from the licentious themselves. 

Charles was a man of learning, knowledge, and 
benevolence; and, what is still more, a true Chris- 
tian. 

6. The temper of him who is always in the bustle 
of the world, will be often ruffled, and be often 
disturbed. 

We often commend imprudently as well as cen- 
sure imprudently. 



Rule 21.) syntax. 1)5 

How a seed grows up into a tree, and the mind 
acts upon the body, are mysteries which we cannot 
explain. 

Verily, there is a reward for the righteous ! There 
is a God that judgeth in the earth. 

7. Changes are almost continually taking place, 
in men and in manners, in opinions and in customs, 
in private fortunes and public conduct. 

Averse either to contradict or blame, the too 
complaisant man goes along with the manners that 
prevail. 

By this habitual indelicacy, the virgins smiled at 
what they blushed before. 

They are now reconciled to what they could not 
formerly be prompted, by any considerations. 

Censure is the tax which a man pays the public for 
being eminent. 

Reflect on the state of human life, and the society 
of men, as mixed with good and with evil. 

8. In all stations and conditions, the important 
relations take place, of masters and servants, and 
husbands and wives, and parents and children, and 
brothers and friends, and citizens and subjects. 

Destitute of principle, he regarded neither his 
family, nor his friends, nor his reputation. 

Religious persons are often unjustly represented 
as persons of romantic character, visionary notions, 
unacquainted with the world,' unfit to live in it. 

No rank, station, dignity of birth, possession*, 
exempt men from contributing their share to public 
utility. 

9. Oh, my father ! Oh my friend ! how great has 
been my ingratitude ! 

Oh piety ! virtue ! how insensible have I been to 
your charms! 

10. Tjhat is a property most men have, or at leasi 
may attain. 



96 exercises. (Rule 22. 

Why do ye that, which is not lawful to do on the 
sabbath days ? 

The showbread which is not lawful to eat, but for 
the priests alone. 

Most, if not all the royal family, had quitted the 
place. 

By these happy labours, they who sow and reap, 
will rejoice together. 

RULE XXII. 

All the parts of a sentence should correspond to each 
other: a regular and dependent construction through- 
out should be carpfully preserved. 

Grammar, p. 192. Key, p. 67. 

Several alterations and additions have been made 
to the work. 

The first proposal was essentially different, and 
inferior to the second. 

He is more bold and active, but not so wise and 
studious as his companion. 

Thou nearest the sound of the wind, but thou 
canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth. 

Neither has he, nor any other persons, suspected 
so much dissimulation. 

The court of France, or England, was to have 
been the umpire. 

In the reign of Henry II. all foreign commodities 
were plenty in England. 

There is no talent so useful towards success in 
business, or which puts men more out of the reach 
of accidents, than that quality generally possessed 
by persons of cool temper, and is, in common lan- 
guage, called discretion. 

The first project was to shorten discourse, by cat- 
ting polysyllables into one. 

I shall do all 1 can to persuade others to take the 
same measures for their cure which I have, 



Rule 22.) syntax. 97 

The greatest masters of critical learning differ 
among one another. 

Micaiah said, if thou certainly return in peace, 
then hath not the Lord spoken by me. 

I do not suppose, that we Britons want a genius,. 
more than the rest of our neighbours. 

The deaf man, whose ears were opened, and his 
tongue loosened, doubtless glorified the great Phy- 
sician. 

Groves, fields, and meadows, are at any season 
of the year, pleasant to look upon ; but never so 
much as in the opening of the spring. 

The multitude rebuked them, because they should 
hold their peace. 

The intentions of some of these philosophers, nay, 
of many, might and probably were good. 

It is an unanswerable argument of a very refined 
age, the wonderful civilities that have passed be- 
tween the nation of authors, and that of readers. 

It was an unsuccessful undertaking ; which, al- 
though it has failed, is no objection at all to an en- 
terprise so well concerted. 

The reward is his due, and it has already, or will 
hereafter, be given to him. 

By intercourse with wise and experienced per- 
sons, who know the world, we may improve and 
rub off the rust of a private and retired education. 

Sincerity is as valuable, and even more valuable, 
than knowledge. 

No person was ever so perplexed, or sustained 
the mortifications, as he has done to-day. 

The Romans gave, not only the freedom of tin 
city, but capacity for employments, to several towns 
in Gaul, Spain, and Germany. 

Such writers have no other standard on which to 
form themselves, except what chances to be fashion- 
able and popular. 

Whatever we do secretly, shall be displayed and 
heard in the clearest lisjlit. 
* K 



98 exercises. (Promiscuous.' 

To the happiness of possessing a person of such 
uncommon merit, Boethius soon had the satisfaction 
of obtaining the highest honour his country could 
bestow. 

CHAP. TI. 

Containing instances of false Syntax, promiscuously 
disposed. 

See the Key, p. G9. 

SECT. I. 

Though great has been his disobedience and his 
folly, yet if he sincerely acknowledges his miscon- 
duct, he will be forgiven. 

On these causes depend all the happiness or mis-* 
ery, which exist among men. 

The property of James, I mean his books and 
furniture, were wholly destroyed. 

This prodigy of learning, this scholar, critic, and 
antiquarian, were entirely destitute of breeding and 
civility. 

That writer has given an account of the manner, 
in which Christianity has formerly been propagated 
among the heathens. 

We adore the Divine Being, he who is from 
eternity to eternity. 

Thou, Lord, who hath permitted affliction to 
come upon us, shall deliver us from it in due time. 

In this place, there were not only security, but 
an abundance of provisions. 

By these attainments are the master honoured, 
and the sholars encouraged. 

The sea appeared to be more than usually agitated. 

Not one in fifty of those who call themselves 
deists, understand the nature of the religion they 
reject. 

Virtue and mutual confidence is the soul of 



Promiscuous.) syntax, 99 

friendship. Where these are wanting, disgust or 
hatred often follow little differences. 

Time and chance happeneth to all men ; but 
every person do not consider who govern those 
powerful causes. 

The active mind of man nerer or seldom rests 
satisfied with their present condiiion, howsoever 
prosperous. 

Habits must be acquired of temperance and of 
self-denial, that we may be able to resist pleasure, 
and to endure pain, when either of them interfere 
with our duty. 

The error of resting wholly on faith or on works 
is one of those seductions which most easily misleads 
men; under the semblance of piety, on the one hand, 
and of virtue on the other hand. 

It was* no exaggerated tale: for she was really 
in that sad condition that her friend represented her. 

An army present a painful sight to a feeling mind. 

The enemies who we have most to fear, are those 
oj" our own hearts. 

Thou art the Messiah, the Son of God, who was 
to come into the world, and hast been so long pro- 
mised and desired. 

Thomas disposition is better than his brothers ; 
and he appears to be the happiest man : but some 
degree of trouble is all mens portion. 

Though remorse sleep sometimes during prospe- 
rity, it will awake surely in adversity. 

It is an invariable law to our present condition, 
that every pleasure that are pursued to excess, con- 
vert themselves into poison. 

If a man brings into tl.e solitary retreat of age, a 
vacant, an unimproved mind, where no knowledge 
dawns, no ideas rise, which within itself has nothing 
to i\'vd upon, many a heavy and many a comfortless 
day he must necessarily pass. 

I cannot yield to such dishonourable conduct, 



100 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

neither at the present moment of difficulty, nor, I 
trust, under no circumstance whatever. 

Themistocles concealed the enterprises of Pausa- 
mas, either thinking it base to betray the secrets 
trusted to his confidence, or imagined it impossible 
for such dangerous and ill concerted schemes to 
take effect. 

Pericles gained such an ascendant over the minds 
of the Athenians, that he might be said to attain a 
monarchical power in Athens. 

Christ did applaud the liberality of the poor widow, 
who he had seen casting her two mites in the treasury. 

A multiplicity of little kind offices, in persons fre- 
quently conversant with each other, is the bands of 
society and of friendship. 

To do good to them that hate us, and, on no oc- 
casion, to seek revenge, is the duty of a Christian. 

If a man profess a regard for the duties of religion, 
and neglect that of morality, that man's religion is 
vain. 

Affluence might give us respect, in the eyes of 
the vulgar, but will not recommend us to the wise 
and good. 

The polite, accomplished libertine, is but misera- 
ble amidst all his pleasures : the rude inhabitant of 
Lapland is happier than him. 

The cheerful and the gay, when warmed by plea- 
sure and by mirth, lose that sobriety and that self- 
denial, which is essential to the support of virtue. 

SECT. II. 

Key, p. 72. 

There were, in the metropolis, much to amuse 
them, as well as many things to excite disgust. 

How much is real virtue and merit exposed to 
suffer the hardships of a stormy life ? 

This is one of the duties which requires peculiar 
circumspection. 



Promiscuous.) syntax. 101 

More complete happiness than that I have de- 
scribed, seldom falls to the lot of mortals. 

There are principles in man, which ever have, and 
ever will incline him to offend. 

Whence have there arose such a great variety of 
opinions and tenets in religion ? 

Its stature is less than that of a man ; but its 
strength and agility much greater. ♦ 

They that honour me, them will I honour. 

He summonses me to attend, and I must summons 
the others. 

Then did the officer lay hold of him, and executed 
him immediately. 

Who is that person whom I saw you introduce 
and present him to the duke? 

1 offer observations that a long and chequered 
pilgrimage have enabled me to make on man. 

Every church and sect of people have a set of 
opinions peculiar to themselves. 

May thou as well as me, be meek, patient, and 
forgiving. 

These men were under high obligations to have 
adhered to their friend in every situation of life. 

After I visited Europe, I returned to America. 

Their example, their influence, their fortune, 
every talent they possess, dispenses blessings on all 
around them. 

When a string of such sentences succeed one an- 
other, the effect is disagreeable. 

I have lately been in Gibraltar, and have seen the 
commander in chief. 

Propriety of pronunciation, is the giving to every 
word the sound which the politest usage of the lan- 
guage appropriates to it. . 

The book is printed very neat, and on a fine wove 
paper. 

The fables of the ancients are many of them high- 
ly instructive. 



102 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

He resembles one of those solitary animals, that 
has been forced from its forest, to gratify human 
curiosity. 

There is not, nor ought not to be, such a thing as 
constructive treason. 

He is a new created knight, and his dignity sits 
awkward on him. 

Hatred or revenge are things deserving of cen- 
sure, wherever they are found to exist. 

If you please to employ your thoughts on that 
subject, you would easily conceive our miserable 
condition. 

His speech contains one of the grossest and infa- 
mousest calumnies which ever was uttered. 

A too great variety of studies dissipate and weak- 
en the mind. 

Those two authors have each of them their merit, 

James was resolved to not indulge himself in such 
a cruel amusement. 

The not attending to this rule, is the source of a 
very common error. 

Calumny and detraction are sparks, which if you 
do not blow, they will go out of themselves. 

Clelia is a vain woman, whom if we do not flatter, 
she will be disgusted. 

That celebrated work was nearly ten years pub- 
lished, before its importance was at all understood. 

Ambition is so insatiable that it will make any 
sacrifices to attain its objects. 

A great mass of rocks thrown together by the 
hand of nature, with wildness and confusion, strike 
the mind with more grandeur than if they were ad- 
justed to one another with the accuratest symmetry 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 74. 

He showed a spirit of forgiveness, and a magnani- 
mity, that does honour to human nature. 



Promiscuous.) syntax. 103 

They that honour me, I will honour; and them 
that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 
Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, 
Lies in three words, health, peace, and competence. 

Having thus began to throw off the restraints of 
reason, he was soon hurried into deplorable excesses. 

These arts have enlightened, and will enlighten, 
every person who shall attentively study them. 

When we succeed in our plans, its not to be at- 
tributed always to ourselves : the aid of others often 
promote the end, and claim our acknowledgment. 

Their intentions were good; but wanting pru- 
dence, they mist the mark for which they aimed. 

I have not, nor shall not consent to a proposal so 
unjust. 

We have subjected ourselves to much expense, 
that thou may be well educated. 

This treaty was made at earl Moreton the gover- 
nor's castle. 

Be especially careful, that thou givest no offence 
to the aged or helpless. 

The business was no sooner opened, but it was 
cordially acquiesced in. 

As to his general conduct, he deserved punishment 
as much, or more than his companion. He left a 
son of a singular character, and behaved so ill that 
he was put in prison. 

If he does but approve my endeavours, it will be 
an ample reward. 

I beg the favour of your acceptance of a copy of 
a view of the manufactories of the West Riding of 
the county of York. 

I intended to have written the letter, before ho 
urged me to it ; and, therefore, he has not all the 
merit of it. 

All the power of ridicule, aided by the desertion 
of friends, and the diminution of his estate, were not 
able to shake his principles., 



104 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

In his conduct was treachery, and in his words,, 
faithless professions. 

Though the measure be mysterious, it is worthy of 
attention. 

Be solicitous to aid such deserving persons, who 
appear to be destitute of friends. 

Ignorance, or the want of light, produce sensu- 
ality, covetousness, and those violent contests with 
others about trifles, which occasion so much misery 
and crimes in the world. 

He will one day reap the reward of his labour, if 
he is diligent and attentive. Till that period comes, 
let him be contented and patient. 

To the resolutions which we have, upon due con- 
sideration, once adopted as rules of conduct, let 
us adhere firmly. 

He has little more of the great man besides the 
title. 

Though he was my superior in knowledge, he 
would not have thence a right to impose his senti- 
ments. 

That picture of the emperor's, is a very exact re- 
semblance of him. 

How happy are the virtuous, who can rest on the 
protection of the powerful arm, who made the earth 
and the heavens ! 

Prosperity and adversity may be improved equal- 
ly ; both the one and the other proceeds from the 
same author. 

He acted conformable with his instructions, and 
cannot be censured justly. 

The orators did not forget to enlarge themselves 
on so popular a subject. 

The language of Divine Providence to all human 
sgents, is, " Hitherto shalt thou come, and no farther." 

Idle persons imagine, howsoever deficient they be 
in point of duty, they consult at least their own satis* 
faction. 



Promiscuous.) syntax, 106' 

Good as the cause is, it is one from which numbers 
are deserted. 

The man is prudent which speaks little. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 77. 

He acted independent of foreign assistance. 

Every thing that we here enjoy, change, decay, and 
come to an end. All float on the surface of the river, 
which is running to a boundless ocean, with a swift 
current. 

The winter has not been as severe as we expected 
it to have been. 

Temperance, more than medicines, are the pro» 
per means of curing many diseases. 

They understand the practical part better than 
him ; but he is much better acquainted with the 
theory than them. 

When we have once drawn the line, by intelli- 
gence and precision, between our duty and sin, the 
line we ought on no occasion to transgress. 

All those distinguished by extraordinary talents, 
have extraordinary duties to perform. 

No person could speak stronger on this subject, 
nor behave nobler, than our young advocate for the 
cause of toleration. 

His conduct was so provoking, that many will 
condemn him, and a few will pity him. 

The peoples happiness is the statesmans honour. 

We are in a perilous situation. On one side, and 
the other, dangers meet us ; and each extreme shall 
be pernicious to virtue. 

Several pictures of the Sardinian king were trans- 
mitted to France. 

When I last saw him he had grown considerably. 

If we consult the improvement of mind, or the 
health of body, it is well known exercise is the great 
instrument of promoting both. 



106 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

If it were them who acted so ungratefully, they 
are doubly in fault. 

Whether virtue promotes our interest or no, we 
must adhere to her dictates. 

We should bestudious to avoid too much indulgence, 
as well as restraint, in our management of children. 

No human happiness is so complete, as does not 
contain some imperfection. 

His father cannot hope for this success, unless 
his son gives better proofs of genius, or applies him- 
self with indefatigable labour. 

The house framed a remonstrance, where they 
spoke with great freedom of the king's prerogative. 

The conduct which has been mentioned, is one of 
those artifices which seduces men most easily, under 
appearance of benevolence. 

This is the person who we are so much obliged 
to, and who we expected to have seen, when the 
favour was conferred. 

He is a person of great property, but does not 
possess the esteem of his neighbours. 

They were solicitous to ingratiate with those, 
who it was dishonourable to favour. 

The great diversity which takes place among men, 
is not owing to a distinction that nature made in their 
original powers, as much as to the superior diligence, 
with which some have improved those powers be- 
yond others. 

While we are unoccupied in what is good, evil is 
at hand continually. 

Not a creature is there that moves, nor a vegeta- 
ble that grows, but what, when minutely examined^ 
furnished materials of pious admiration. 

What can be the reason of the committee having 
delayed this business? 

I know not whether Charles was the author, but I 
understood it to be he. 



Fromiscuous.) syntax:. 107 

A good and well cultivated mind, is far more pre- 
ferable than rank or riches. 

Charity to the poor, when it is governed by know- 
ledge and prudence, there are no persons who will 
not admit it to be a virtue. 

His greatest concern, and highest enjoyment, 
were to be approved in the sight of his Creator. 

Let us not set our hearts on such a mutable, such 
an unsatisfying world. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 79. 

Shall you attain success, without that prepara- 
tion, and escape dangers without that precaution. 
which is required of others ? 

When we see bad men to be honoured and pros- 
perous in the world, it is some discouragement to 
virtue. 

The furniture was all purchased at Wentworth's 
the joiner's. 

Every member of the body, every bone, joint, 
and muscle, lie exposed to many disorders; and the 
greatest prudence or precaution, or the deepest skill 
of the physician, are not sufficient to prevent them. 

It is right said, that though faith justify us, yet 
works must justify our faith. 

If an academy is established for the cultivation of 
our language, let them slop the license of translators, 
whose idleness and ignorance, if it be suffered to 
proceed, will reduce us to babble a dialeet of French. 

It is of great consequence that a teacher firmly 
believes, both the truth and importance of those 
principles which he inculcates upon others; and 
that he not only speculatively believes them, but 
has a lively and serious feeling of them. 

It is not the uttering, or the hearing certain 
words, that constitute the worship of the Almighty. 
It is the heart that praises, or prays, if the bean 



108 Exercises. (Promiscuous. 

accompany not the words that are spoken, we offer 
a sacrifice of fools. 

Neither flatter or contemn the rich or the great, 

He has travelled much, and passed through many 
stormy seas and lands. 

You must be sensible that there is, and can be no 
other person but me, who could give the informa- 
tion desired. 

To be patient, resigned, and thankful, under af- 
flictions and disappointments, demonstrate genuine 
piety. 

Alvarez was a man of corrupt principles, and of 
detestable conduct ; and, what is still worse, gloried 
in his shame. 

As soon as the sense of the Supreme Being is lost., 
so soon the great check is taken off which keep un- 
der restraint the passions of men. Mean desires, 
low pleasures, takes place of the greater and the 
nobler sentiments which reason and religion inspires. 

We should be careful not to follow the example 
of many persons, to censure the opinions, manners 
and customs of others, merely because they are 
foreign to us. 

Steady application, as well as genius and abilities, 
are necessary to produce eminence. 

There is, in that seminary, several students con- 
siderably skilled in mathematical knowledge. 

If Providence clothe tbe grass of the field, and 
shelters and adorns the flowers that every where 
grows wild amongst it, will he not clothe and pro- 
tect his servants and children much more? 

We are too often hurried with the violence of 
passion, or with the allurements of pleasure. 

High hopes, and florid views, is a great enemy to 
tranquillity. 

Year after year steal something from us; till the 
decaying fabric totters of itself, and crumbles at 
length into dust. 



Promiscuous.) syntax. 100 

I intended to have finished the letter before the 
bearer called, that he might not have been detain- 
ed; but I was prevented by company. 

George is the most learned and accomplished of 
all the other students, that belong to the seminary. 

This excellent and well written treatise, with 
others that might be mentioned, were the foundation 
of his love of study. 

There can be no doubt but that the pleasures of 
the mind excel those of sense. 
SECT. VI. 

Key, p./.l. 

The grand temple consisted of one great, and 
several smaller edifices. 

Many would exchange gladly their honour?, 
beauty, and riches, for that more quiet and humbler 
station which you are now dissatisfied with. 

Though the scene was a very affecting one, Louis 
showed a little emotion on the occasion. 

The climate of England is not so pleasant as those 
of France, Spain, or Italy. 

Much of the good and evil that happens to as in 
this world, are owing to apparently undesigned and 
fortuitous events : but it is the Supreme Being 
which secretly directs and regulates, ail things. 

To despise others on account of their poverty, 
or to value ourselves for our wealth, are disposi- 
tions highly culpable. 

This task was the easier performed, from the 
cheerfulness with which he engaged in it. 

She lamented the unhappy fate of Lueretia, who 
seemed to her another name for chastity. 

He has not yet cast off all the regard for decency ; 
and this is the most can be advanced in his fai 

The girls school was better conducted former)) 
than the boys. 

The disappointments he has met with, or the 
L 



110 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

of his much-loved friend, has occasioned a total de- 
rangement of his mental powers. 

The concourse of people were so great, that with 
difficulty we passed through them. 

All the women, children, and treasure, which re- 
mained in the city, fell under the victor's power. 

They have already made great progress in their 
studies, and, if attention and diligence continues, 
will soon fulfil the expectations of their friends. 

It is amazing his propensity to this vice, against 
every principle of interest and honour. 

These kind of vices, though the}- inhabit the up- 
per circles of life, are not less pernicious, than those 
we meet with amongst the lowest of men. 

He acted agreeable to the dictates of prudence, 
though he were in a situation exceeding delicate. 

If 1 had known the distress of my friend.it would be 
my duty to Lave relieved him : and it would always 
have yielded me pleasure to grant him that relief. 

They admired the countryman's, as they called 
him, candour and uprightness. 

The new set of curtains did not correspond to the 
old pair of blinds. 

The tutor commends him for being more studious 
than any other pupils of the school. 

Two principles in human nature reign; 
Self-love to urge, and reason to restrain: 
Nor that a good, nor this a had we call ; 
Eae!) works its nnd, to move or govern all. 

Temperance and exercise, howsoever little they 
may be regarded, they are the best means of pre- 
serving health. 

He has greatly blessed me ; yes, even I, who, load- 
ed with kindness, hath not been sufficiently grateful. 

No persons feels the distresses of others, so much 
as them that have experienced distress themselves. 

SECT. VII. 

Key, p. 83. • 

Constantinople was the point, in which was 



Promiscuous.) syntax. Ill 

concentrated the learning and science of the world. 

Disgrace not your station, by that giossness of 
sensuality, that levity of dissipation, or that inso- 
lence of rank, which bespeak a little mind. 

A circle, a square, a triangle, or a hexagon, please 
the eye by their regularity, as beautiful figures. 

His conduct was equally unjust as dishonourable. 

Though, at first, he begun to defend himself, yet, 
when the proofs appeared against him, he dared not 
any longer to contend. 

Many persons will not believe but what they are 
free from prejudices. 

The pleasure or pain of one passion, differ from 
those of another. 

The rise and fall of the tides, in this place, makes 
a difference of about twelve feet. 

Five and seven make twelve, and one makes 
thirteen. 

He did not know who to suspect. 

I had intended yesterday to have walked out, but 
I have been again disappointed. 

The court of Spain, who gave the order, were 
not aware of the consequence. 

If the acquisitions he has made, and qualified him 
to be a useful member of society, should have been 
misapplied, he will be highly culpable. 

There was much spoke and wrote on each side of 
the question ; but I have chose to suspend my de- 
cision. 

Was there no bad men in the world, who vex and 
distress the good, they might appear in the light of 
harmless innocence ; but could have no opportunity 
for displaying fidelity and magnanimity, patience 
and fortitude. 

The most ignorant, arid the most savage tribes of 
men, when they have looked round on the earth, and 
on the heavens, could not avoid ascribing theii origin 



H2 exercises. (Promiscuous.. 

to some invisible, designing cause, and felt a pro- 
pensity to adore their Creator. 

Let us not forget, that something more than 
gentleness and modesty, something more than com- 
placency of temper and affability of manners, are 
requisite to form a worthy man, or a true Christian. 

One of the first, and the most common extreme 
in moral conduct, is placing all virtue in justice, or 
m generosity. 

It is an inflexible regard to principle, which has 
ever marked the characters of them who distin- 
guished themselves eminently in public life : who 
patronised the cause of justice against powerful op- 
pressors ; in critical times, have supported the fall- 
ing rights and liberties of men; and reflected ho- 
nour on their nation and country. 

When it is with regard to trifles, that diversity or 
contrariety of cpipions show themselves, it is child- 
ish in the last degree, if this becomes the ground of 
estranged affection. When from such a cause, there 
arise any breach of friendship, human weakness is 
discovered then in a mortifying light. In matters 
of serious moment, the sentiments of the best and 
worthiest might vary from that of their friends, ac- 
cordfHRs their lines of light diverge, or as their tem- 
per, ana habits of thought, presents objects under 
different points of view. But with candid and liberal 
minds, unity of affection still will be preserved. 

Desires and wishes are the first spring of action. 
When they become exorbitant, the whole of the 
character is like to be tainted. If we should suffer 
our fancies to create to themselves worlds of ideal 
happiness ; if we should feed our imagination with 
plans of opulence and of splendour; if we should fix 
to our wishes certain stages of a high advancement, 
or certain degrees of an uncommon reputation, as 
me sole station of our felicity ; the assured conse- 



Promiscuous.) syntax. 113 

quence shall be,, that we will become unhappy under 
our present state; that we shall be unfit for acting 
the part, and for discharging the duties that belong 
to it; and we shall discompose the peace and order 
of our minds, and shall foment many hurtful passions. 
Maria always appears amiably. She never speaks 
severe or contemptuous.* 



* Young persons who study grammar, find it difficult to decide, in par- 
ticular constructions, whether an adjective or an adverb ought to be used. 
A few observations on this point may serve to inform their judgment, 
and direct their determination. They should carefully attend to the de- 
finitions of the adjective and the adverb, and consider whether, in the 
case in question, quality or manner, is indicated. In the former case, an 
adjective is proper: in the latter, an adverb. A number of examples 
will illustrate this direction, and prove useful on other occasions. 

She looks cold — She looks coldly on him. 

He feels warm — He feels warmly the insult offered to him. 

He became sincere and virtuous — He became sincerely virtuous. 

.She lives free from care — He lives freely at another's expense. 

Harriet always appears neat — She dresses neatly. 

Charles has grown great by his wisdom — He has grown greatly in 
reputation. 

They now appear happy — They now appear happily in earnest. 

The statement seems exact — The statement seems exactly in point. 

The verb to Z>e, in all its moods and tenses, generally requires the word 
immediately connected with it to be an adjective, not an adverb ; and, 
consequently, when this verb can be substituted for any other, without 
varying the sense or the construction, that other verb must also be con- 
nected with an adjective. The following sentences elucidate these ob- 
servations : " This is agreeable to our interest; That behaviour was not 
suitable to his station: Rules should be conformable to sense ;" " The rose 

is is 

smells sweet; How sweet the hay smells ! How delightful the country 

is are are 

appears ! How pleasant the fields look ! The clouds look dark ; How 

black the sky looked! The apple tastes sour; Mow bitter the plums 

were is 

tasted! He feels happy." In all these sentences, we can with perfect 
propriety, substitute some tenses of the verb to be for the other veil..-. But 
in the following sentences, we cannot do this: ; ' The dog smells (lis 

iMy ; George feels exquisitely; How pleasantly she looks at us!" 

The directions contained in this note are offered as useful, not as com- 
plete and unexceptionable. Anomalies in language every where encoun- 
ter us: but we must not reject rules," because they are attended with ex- 
ceptions. 

1/2 



PART. IV. 

EXERCISES IN PUNCTUATION 



CHAP. I. 



Sentences which require the application of the Comma, 
disposed under the particular rules. 



Grammar, p. 235. Key. p. 1 



P.ULE I. 

The tear of repentance brings its own relief. 

Manhood is disgraced by the consequences of 
neglected youth. 

Idleness is the great fomenter of all corruptions 
in the human heart. 

It is honourable to be a friend to the unfortunate. 

All finery is a sign of littleness. 

Slovenliness and indelicacy of character common- 
ly go hand in hand. 

The friend of order has made half his way to 
virtue. 

Too many of the pretended friendships of youth 
are mere combinations in pleasure. 

The indulgence of harsh dispositions is the intro- 
duction to future misery. 

The intermixture of evil in human society serves 
to exercise the suffering graces and virtues of the 
ffood. 



Grammar, p. 235. Key, p. 87. 

Gentleness is in truth the great avenue to mutual 
enjoyment. 



Comma.) punctuation. 115 

Charity like the sun brightens all its objects. 

The tutor by instruction and discipline lays the 
foundation of the pupil's future honour. 

Trials in this stage of being are the lot of man. 

No assumed behaviour can always hide the real 
character. 

The best men often experience disappointments. 

Advice should be seasonably administered. 

RULE III. 

Self-conceit presumption and obstinacy blast the 
prospect of many a youth. 

In our health life possessions connexions pleasures 
there are causes of decay imperceptibly working. 

Discomposed thoughts agitated passions and a 
ruffled temper poison every pleasure of life. 

Vicissitudes of good and evil of trials and conso- 
lations fill up the life of man. 

Health and peace a moderate fortune and a few 
friends sum up all the undoubted articles of tempo- 
ral felicity. 

We have no reason to complain of the lot of man 
or the world's mutability. 



An idle trifling society is near akin to such as is 
corrupting. 

Conscious guilt renders us mean-spirited timor- 
ous and base. 

An upright mind will never be at a loss to discern 
what is just and true lovely honest and of good re- 
port. 

The vicious man is often looking round him with 
anxious and fearful circumspection. 

True friendship will at all times avoid a careless 
or rough behaviour. 

Time brings a gentle and powerful opiate to all 
misfortunes. 



H6 exercises. ,. (Comma. 

RULE V. 

Grammar, p. 236. Key, p. 88. 

The man of virtue and honour will be trusted re- 
lied upon and esteemed. 

Deliberate slowly execute promptly. 

A true friend unbosoms freely advises justly 
assists readily adventures boldly takes all patiently 
defends resolutely and continues a friend unchange- 
ably. 

Sensuality contaminates the body depresses the 
understanding deadens the moral feelings of the 
heart and degrades man from his rank in the crea- 
tion. 

Idleness brings forward and nourishes many bad 
passions. 

We must stand or fall by our own conduct and 
character. 

The man of order catches and arrests the hours 
as they fly. 

The great business of life is to be employed in 
doing justly loving mercy and walking humbly with 
our Creator. 



This unhappy person had often been seriously af- 
fectionately admonished but in vain. 

To live soberly righteously and piously compre- 
hends the whole of our duty. 

When thy friend is calumniated openly and boldly 
espouse his cause. 

Benefits should be long and gratefully remem- 
bered. 



HULK VII. 

True gentleness is native feeling heightened and 
improved by principle. 

The path of piety and virtue pursued with a firm 
and constant spirit will assuredly lead to happiness. 



.) PUNCTUATION. 117 

Human affairs are in continual motion and fluctua- 
tion altering their appearance every moment and 
passing into some new forms. 

What can be said to alarm those of their danger 
who intoxicated with pleasures become giddy and 
insolent ; who flattered by the illusions of prosperity 
make light of every serious admonition which their 
friends and the changes of the world give them ? 

RULE VIII. 

If from any internal cause a man's peace of mind 
be disturbed in vain we load him with riches or ho- 
nours. 

Gentleness delights above all things to alleviate 
distress ; and if it cannot dry up the falling tear to 
sooth at least the grieving heart. 

Wherever Christianity prevails it has discouraged 
and in some degree abolished slavery. 

We may rest assured that by the steady pursuit 
of virtue we shall obtain and enjoy it. 



Grammar, p. 237. Key, p. 89. 

Continue my dear child to make virtue thy prin- 
cipal study. 

To you my worthy benefactors am I indebted un- 
der Providence for all I enjoy. 

Canst thou expect thou betrayer of innocence to 
escape the hand of vengeance ? 

Come then companion of my toils let us take 
fresh courage persevere and hope to the end. 



Peace of mind being secured we may smile at 
misfortunes. 

Virtue abandoned and conscience reproaching u^ 
we become terrified with imaginary evils. 



118 exercises. (Comma. 

Charles having been deprived of the help of tutors 
his studies became totally neglected. 

To prevent further altercation I submitted to the 
terms proposed. 

To enjoy present pleasure he sacrificed his future 
ease and reputation. 

To say the least they have betrayed great want 
of prudence. 

RULE XI. 

Hope the balm of life sooths us under every mis- 
fortune. 

Content the offspring of virtue dwells both in re- 
tirement and in the active scenes of life. 

Confucius the great Chinese philosopher was em- 
inently good as well as wise. 

The patriarch Joseph is an illustrious example of 
chastity resignation and filial affection. 



Grammar, p. 237. Key, p. 90. 

Nothing is so opposite to the true enjoyment of life 
as the relaxed and feeble state of an indolent mind. 

The more a man speaks of himself the less he 
likes to hear another talked of. 

Nothing more strongly inculcates resignation than 
the experience of our own inability to guide our- 
selves. 

The friendships of the world can subsist no longer 
than interest cements them. 

Expect no more from the world than it is able to 
afford you. 

RULE XIII. 

He who is a stranger to industry may possess but. 
be cannot enjoy. 



Comma.) punctuation. 119 

Contrition though it may melt ought not to sink 
or overpower the heart of a Christian. 

The goods of this world were given to man for his 
occasional refreshment not for his chief felicity. 

It is the province of superiors to direct of inferiors 
to obey ; of the learned to be instructive of the ig- 
norant to be docile ; of the old to he communicative 
of the young to be attentive and diligent. 

Though unavoidable calamities make a part yet 
they make not the chief part of the vexations and 
sorrows thai distress human life. 

An inquisitive and meddling spirit often interrupts 
the good order and breaks the peace of society. 
th:l.z xiv. 

Gramma-., p. 233. Key, p. 91. 

Vice is not of such a nature that we can say to it 
" Hitherto shait thou come and no further." 

One of the noblest of the Christian virtues is " to 
love our enemies." 

Many too confidently say to themselves " My 
mountain stands strong and it shall never be re- 
moved." 

We are strictly enjoined il not to follow a multi- 
tude to do evil." 

RULE xv. 

The gentle mind is like the smooth stream which 
reflects every object in its just proportion and in its 
fairest colours. 

Beware of those rr.sh and dangerous connexions 
which may afteryrards load you with dishonour. 

Blind must that man be who discerns not the most 
striking marks of a Divine government exercised 
over the world. 

It is labour only which gives the relish to pleasure. 

In that unaffected civility which springs from ;t 
gentle mind there is an incomparable charm. 

Thev who raise envv will easily incur ceosufe* 



1.20 exercises. {Comma. 

Many of the evils which occasion our complaints 
®f the world are wholly imaginary. 

He who is good before invisible witnesses is emi- 
nently so before the visible. 

His conduct so disinterested and generous was 
universally approved. 

RULE XVI. 

Grammar, p. 239. Key, p. 92. 

The fumes which arise from a heart boiling with 
violent passions never fail to darken and trouble the 
understanding. 

If we delay till to-morrow what ought to be done 
to-day we overcharge the morrow with a burden 
which belongs not to it. 

By whatever means we may at first attract the at- 
tention we can hold the esteem and secure the hearts 
of others only by amiable dispositions and the ac- 
complishments of the mind. 

If the mind sow not corn it will plant thistles. 

One day is sufficient to scatter our prosperity and 
bring it to nought. 

Graceful in youth are the tears of sympathy and 
the heart that melts at the tale of wo. 

The ever active and restless power of thought if 
not employed about what is good will naturally and 
unavoidably engender evil. 

He who formed the heart certainly knows what 
passes within it. 

To be humble and modest in opinion to be vigi* 
lant and attentive in conduct to distrust fair appear- 
ances and to restrain rash desires are instructions 
which the darkness of our present state should strong- 
ly inculcate. 

RULE XVII. 

Grammar, p. 239. Key, p. 93. 

The greatest misery is to be condemned by our 
own hearts. 



Camma.\ punctuation. 121 

The greatest misery that we can endure is to be 
condemned by our own hearts. 

Charles's highest enjoyment was to relieve the 
distressed and to do good. 

The highest enjoyment that Charles ever experi- 
enced was to relieve the distressed and to do good. 

RULE XVIII. 

If opulence increases our gratifications it increases 
in the same proportion our desires and demands. 

He whose wishes respecting the possessions of 
this world are the most reasonable and bounded is 
likely to lead the safest and for that reason the most 
desirable life. 

By aspiring too high we frequently miss the hap- 
piness which by a less ambitious aim we might have 
gained. 

By proper management we prolong our time ; we 
live more in a few years than others do in many. 

In your most secret actions suppose that you have 
all the world for witnesses. 

In youth the habits of industry are most easily 
acquired. 

What is the right path few take the trouble of in- 
quiring. 

RULE XIX. 

Providence never intended that any -kite here 
should be either completely happy or entirely mise- 
rable. 

As a companion he was severe and satirical ; as a 
friend captious and dangerous; in his doin 
sphere harsh jealous and irascible. 

If the Spring put forth no blossoms in Summer 
there will be no beauty and in Autumn no fruit. 
if youth be trilled away without improvement man? 
hood will be contemptible and old age mi 
M 



122 exercises. (Semicolon. 

RULE XX. 

Grammar, p. 240. Key, p. 94. 

Be assured then that order frugality and economy 
are the necessary supports of every personal and 
private virtue. 

I proceed secondly to point out the proper state 
of our temper with respect to one another. 

Here every thing is in stir and fluctuation ; there 
all is serene steady and orderly. 

I shall make some observations first on the exter- 
nal and next on the internal condition of man. 

Sometimes timidity and false shame prevent our 
opposing vicious customs; frequently expectation 
and interest impel us-strongly to comply. 

CHAP. II. 

Sentences requiring the insertion of the Semicolon and 
Comma. 

Grammar, p. 240. Key, p. 94. 

That darkness of character where we can see no 
heart those foldings of art through which no native 
affection is allowed to penetrate present an object 
unamiable in every season of life but particularly 
odious in youth. 

To give an early preference to honour above gain 
when they stand in competition to despise every ad- 
vantage which cannot be attained without dishonest 
arts to brook no meanness and to stoop to no dis- 
simulation are the indications of a great mind the 
presages of future eminence and usefulness in life. 

As there is a worldly happiness which God per- 
ceives to be no other than disguised misery as there 
are worldly honours which in his estimation are re- 
proach so there is a worldly wisdom which in his 
sight is foolishness. 

The passions are the chief destroyers of our peace 
the storms and tempests of the moral world. 



Colon, &fC.) PUNCTUATION. 123 

Heaven is the region of gentleness and friendship 
hell of fierceness and animosity. 

The path of truth is a plain and a safe path that 
of falsehood is a perplexing maze. 

Modest} is one of the chief ornaments of youth and 
it has ever been esteemed a presage of rising merit. 

Life with a swift though insensible course glides 
away and like a river which undermines its banks 
gradually impairs our state. 

The violent spirit like the troubled waters renders 
back the images of things distorted and broken and 
communicates to them all that disordered motion 
which arises solely from its own agitation. 
.Levity is frequently the forced production of folly 
or vice cheerfulness is the natural offspring of wis- 
dom and virtue only. 

Persons who Hve according to order may be com- 
pared to the celestial bodies which move in regular 
courses and by stated laws whose influence is bene- 
ficient whose operations are quiet and tranquil. 

CHAP. III. 

Sentences requiring the application of the Colon. $r. 

Grammar, p. 241. Key, p. 96. 

The three great enemies to tranquillity are vice 
superstition and idleness vice which poisons and dis- 
turbs the mind with bad passions superstition which 
fills it with imaginary terrors idleness which loads it 
with tediousness and disgust. 

To sail on a tranquil surface of an unrufhVd lake 
and to steer a safe course through a troubled and 
stormy ocean require different talents and alas ! hu- 
man life ofteuer resembles the stormy ocean than 
the unruffled lake. 

When we look forward to the vear which is be- 



124 exercises. {Colon, fyc. i 

ginning what do we behold there ? All my brethren 
is a blank to our view a dark unknown presents itself. 

Happy would the poor man think himself if he 
could enter on all the treasures of the rich and hap- 
py for a short time he might be but before he had 
long contemplated and admired his state his posses- 
sions would seem to lessen and his cares would grow. 

By doing or at least endeavouring to do our duty 
to God and man by acquiring an humble trust in the 
mercy and favour of God through Jesus Christ by 
cultivating our minds and properly employing our 
time and thoughts by governing our passions and 
our temper by correcting all unreasonable expecta- 
tions from the world and from men and in the midst 
of worldly business habituating ourselves to calm re- 
treat and serious recollection by such means as these 
it may be hoped that through the Divine blessing 
our days shall flow in a stream as unruffled as the 
human state admits. 

A metaphor is a comparison expressed in an 
abridged form but without any of the words that 
denote comparison as " To the upright there ariseth 
light in darkness." 

All our conduct towards men should be influenced 
by this important precept "Do unto others as you 
would that others should do unto you." 

Philip III. king of Spain when he drew near the 
end of his days seriously reflecting on his past life 
and greatly affected with the remembrance of his 
mispent time expressed his deep regret in these 
terms "Ah ! how happy would it have been for me 
had I spent in retirement these twenty-three years 
that I have possessed my kingdom." 

Often in the smile of gaiety assumed whilst the 
heart aches within though folly may laugh guilt will 
sting. 

There is no mortal truly wise and restless at once 
wisdom is the repose of minds. 



Period.) punctuation. 125 

CHAP. IV. 

Sentences which require (he insertion of the Pe- 
riod, c/c* 

Grammar, p. 242. Key, p. 97. 

The absence of Evil is a real Good Peace Quiet 
exemption from pain should be a continual feast 

Worldly happiness ever tends to destroy itself by 
corrupting the heart It fosters the loose and the 
Violent passions It engenders noxious habits and 
taints the mind with false Delicacy which makes it 
feel a Thousand unreal Evils 

Feeding the hungry clothing the Naked com- 
forting the afflicted yield more pleasure than we re- 
ceive from those actions which respect only Our- 
selves Benevolence may in this view be termed the 
most refined self-love 

The Resources of Virtue remain entire when the 
Days of trouble come They remain with us in Sick- 
ness as in Health in Poverty as in the midst of 
Riches in our dark and solidary Hours no less than 
when surrounded with friends and cheerful Society 
The mind of a good man is a kingdom to him and 
he can always enjoy it • 

We ruin the Happiness of life when we attempt 
to raise it too high A tolerable and comfortable 
State is all that we can propose to ourselves on 
Earth Peace and Contentment not Bliss nor Trans- 



• As every learner is supposed to know,, that the fir?t word in a 
sentence must have a capital letter, there would be little exercise 
of his judgment, in applying the period, if no words were distin- 
guished by capital letters, but such as propriety required. The 
compiler has. therefore, in this and the following chapters, affixed 
Capitals to many words, which should properly begin with 
letters. This method, besides the use chiefly intended, will also 
serve to exercise the student in the proper application of capital 
letters. 

k s 



126 exercises. (Dash, $'C 

port are the full Portion of Man Perfect joy is re- 
served for Heaven. 

If we look around us we shall perceive that the 
Whole Universe is full of Active Powers Action is 
indeed the Genius of Nature by Motion and exer- 
tion the System of being is preserved in vigour By 
its different parts always acting in Subordination one 
to another the Perfection of the Whole is carried 
on The Heavenly Bodies perpetually revolve Day 
and Night incessantly repeat their appointed course 
Continual operations are going on in the Earth and 
in the Waters Nothing stands still 

Constantino the Great was advanced to the sole 
Dominion of the Roman World A D 325 and soon 
ai't.T openly professed the Christian Faith 

The Letter concludes with this Remarkable Post- 
script " P S Though I am innocent of the Charge 
and have been bitterly persecuted yet I cordially 
forgive my Enemies and Persecutors" 

The last Edition of that valuable Work was care- 
fully compared with the Original MS 

CHAP. V. 

Sentences requiring the application of the Dash; of 
the Notes of Interrogation and Exclamation ; and of 
the Parenthetical characters. 

Grammar, p. 243. Key, p. 99. 

Beauty and Strength combined with Virtue and 
Piety how lovely in the sight of men how pleasing 
to Heaven peculiarly pleasing because with every 
Temptation to deviate they voluntarilv walk in the" 
Path of Duty. 

Something there is more needful than expense 
And something previous e'en to taste 'tis sense 

u 1*1J live to-morrow" will a wise man say 
To-morrow is too late then live to-day 



Dash, fyc) punctuation 1 . 127 

Gripus has long been ardently endeavouring; to fill 
his Chest and lo it is now full is he happy and does 
he use it Does he gratefully think of the Giver of 
all good Things Does he distribute to the Poor Alas 
these Interests have no Place in his breast 

What is there in all the pomp of the world the 
Enjoyments of Luxury the Gratification of Passion 
comparable to the tranquil Delight of a good Con- 
science 

To lie down on the Pillow after a Day spent in 
Temperance in beneficence and in piety how sweet 
is it 

We wait till to-morrow to be Happy alas Why 
not to-day Shall w T e be younger Are we sure we 
shall be healthier Will our passions become feebler 
and our love of the world less 

What shadow can be more vain than the life of a 
great Part of Mankind Of all that eager and bustling 
Crowd which we behold on Earth how few discover 
the path of true Happiness How few can we find 
whose* Activity has not been misemployed and 
whose Course terminates not in Confessions of Dis- 
appointments 

On the one Hand are the Divine Approbation 
and immortal Honour on the other remember and 
beware are the stings of Conscience and endless In- 
famy 

As in riper Years all unseasonable Returns to the 
Levity of Youth ought to be avoided an Admonition 
which equally belongs to both the Sexes still more 
are we to guard against those intemperate Indul- 
gences of Pleasure to which the young are unhap- 
pily prone 

The bliss of man could pride that blessing find 
Is not to act or think beyond mankind 
Or why so long in life if long can be 
Lent Heav'n a parent to the noor and me 



1&8 exercises. (Promiscuous* 

CHAP. VI. 

Promiscuous examples of defective Punctuation. 
SECT. I. 

EXAMPLES IN PROSE. 

See the Key, p. 100. 

When Socrates was asked what man approached 
the nearest to perfect happiness he answered That 
Man who has the fewest wants. 

She who studies her Glass neglects her heart 

Between Passion and Lying there is not a Fin- 
ger's breadth 

The freer we feel ourselves in the Presence or 
others the more free are they he who is free makes 
free 

Addison has remarked with equal Piety and Truth 
that the Creation is a perpetual Feast to the Mind of 
a Good Man 

He who shuts out all evasion when he promises 
loves truth 

The laurels of the Warrior are dyed in Blood 
and bedewed with the Tears of the Widow and the 
Orphan 

Between Fame and true Honour a Distinction is 
to be made The former is a loud and noisy Applause 
the latter a more silent and internal Homage Fame 
floats on the Breath of the Multitude Honour rests 
on the Judgment of the Thinking Fame may give 
Praise while it withholds Esteem true Honour im- 
plies Esteem mingled with respect The one regards 
Particular distinguished Talents the other looks up 
to the whole character 

There is a certain species of religion if we can 
give it that Name which is placed wholly iu Specu- 



Promiscuous.) punctuation". 129 

lation and Belief in the Regularity of external Ho- ' 
mage or in fiery Zeal about contested Opinions 

Xenophanes who was reproached with being ti- 
morous because he would not venture his Money in 
a Game of Dice made this manly and sensible Reply 
I confess I am exceedingly timorous for I dare not 
commit an evil Action 

He loves nobly I speak of Friendship who is not 
jealous when he has Partners of love 

Our happiness consists in the pursuit much more 
than in the Attainment of any Temporal Good 

Let me repeat it He only is Great who has the 
Habits of Greatness 

Prosopopoeia or Personification is a Rhetorical 
Figure by which we attribute Life and Action to 
inanimate objects as the Ground thirsts for Rain the 
Earth smiles with Plenty 

The proper and rational Conduct of Men with 
Regard to Futurity is regulated by two Considera- 
tions First that much of What it contains must re- 
main to us absolutely Unknown Next that there are 
also some Events in it which may be certainly 
known and foreseen 

The Gardens of the World produce only decidu- 
ous flowers Perennial ones must be sought in the 
Delightful Regions Above Roses without Thorns 
are the growth of Paradise alone. 

How many Rules and maxims of Life might be 
spared could we fix a principle of Virtue within and 
inscribe the living Sentiment of the love of God in 
the affections He who loves righteousness is Master 
of all the distinctions in Morality 

He who from the Benignity of his Xature erected 
this World for the abode of Men He who furnished 
it so richly for our accommodation and stored it 
with so much Beauty for our Entertainment He who 
since first we entered into Life hath followed u^ 
with such a Variety of Mercies this Amiable and 



130 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Beneficent Being surely can have no pleasure in our 
Disappointment and distress He knows our Frame 
he remembers we are dust and looks to frail Man 
we are assured with such Pity as a Father beareth 
to his children 

One of the first Lessons both of Religion and of 
Wisdom is to moderate our Expectations and hopes 
and not to set forth on the Voyage of Life like Men 
who expect to be always carried forward with a 
favourable Gale Let us be satisfied if the path we 
tread be easy and smooth though it be not strewed 
with Flowers 

Providence never intended that the Art of living 
happily in this World should depend on that deep 
Penetration that acute sagacity and those Refine- 
ments of Thought which few possess It has dealt 
more graciously with us and made happiness depend 
on Uprightness of Intention much more than on 
Extent of Capacity t 

Most of our Passions flatter us in their Rise But 
their Beginnings are treacherous thei£ Growth is 
imperceptible and the Evils which they carry in 
their Train lie concealed until their Dominion is 
established What Solomon says of one of them holds 
true of them all that their Beginning is as when one 
letteth out Water It issues from a small Chink which 
once might have been easily stopped but being ne- 
glected it is soon widened by the Stream till the 
Bank is at last totally thrown down and the Flood is 
at Liberty to deluge the whole plain 

Prosperity debilitates instead of strengthening the 
Mind Its most common effect is to create an extreme 
sensibility to the slighest Wound It foments impa- 
tient Desires and raises Expectations which no Suc- 
cess can satisfy It fosters a false Delicacy which 
sickens in the midst of Indulgence By repeated 
Gratification it blunts the feelings of Men to what 
is pleasing and leaves them unhappily acute to what- 



Promiscuous.) punctuation. 131 

ever is uneasy Hence the Gale which another would 
scarcely feel is to the prosperous a rude Tempest 
Hence the Rose-leaf doubled below them on the 
Couch as it is told of the effeminate Sybarite breaks 
their Rest Hence the Disrespect shown by Mordecai 
preyed with such Violence on the Heart of Haman 

Anxiety is the Poison of Human Life It is the 
Parent of many Sins and of more Miseries In a 
World where every thing is so doubtful where we 
may succeed in our Wish and be miserable where 
we may be disappointed and be blest in the Disap- 
pointment what mean this restless Stir and Commo- 
tion of Mind Can our Solicitude alter the Course or 
unravel the Intricacy of Kuinan Evenls Can our Cu- 
riosity pierce through the Cloud which the Supreme 
Being hath made impenetrable to Mortal Eye 

No situation is so remote and no Station so unfa- 
vourable as to preclude access to the happiness of a 
future State A Road is opened by the Divine Spirit 
to those blissful Habitations from all Corners of the 
Earth and from all Conditions of Human Life from 
the peopled City and from the solitary Desert from 
the Cottages of the Poor and from the Palaces of 
Kings from the Dwellings of Ignorance and Simpli- 
city and from the Regions of Science and Improve- 
ment 

The Scenes which present themselves at our enter- 
ing upon the World are commonly flattering What- 
ever they be in themselves the lively Spirits of the 
Young gild every opening Prospect The Field ol 
Hope appears to stretch wide before them Pleasure 
seems to put forth its Blossoms on every Side Im- 
pelled by Desire forward they rush with inconside- 
rate Ardour prompt to decide and to choose avers* 
to hesitate or to Inquire credulous because untaught 
by Experience rash because unacquainted with Dan- 
ger headstrong because unsubdued by Disappoint- 
ment Hence arise the Perils to which they are ex- 



132 exercises. {Promiscuous. 

posed and which too often from Want of Attention 
to faithful Admonition precipitate them into Ruin 
irretrievable 

By the unhappy Excesses of Irregular Pleasure in 
Youth how many amiable Dispositions are corrupt- 
ed or destroyed How many rising Capacities and 
Powers are suppressed How many flattering Hopes 
of Parents and Friends are totally extinguished Who 
but must drop a Tear over Human Nature when he 
beholds that Morning which arose so bright over- 
cast with such untimely Darkness that Sweetness 
of Temper which once engaged many Hearts that 
Modesty which was so prepossessing those Abilities 
which promised extensive Usefulness all sacrificed 
at the Shrine of low Sensuality and one who was 
formed for passing through Life in the midst of 
Public Esteem cut off by his Vices at the Beginning 
of his Course or sunk for the whole of it into Insig- 
nificance and Contempt These O sinful Pleasure 
are thy Trophies It is thus that co-operating with 
the Foe of God and Man thou degradest Human 
Honour and blastest the opening Prospects of Hu- 
man Felicity. 



Promiscuous.) punctuation. 133 

SECT. II. 

EXAMPLES IN POETRY. 
See the Key, p. 105. 

Where thy true treasure Gold says not in me 
And not in me the Diamond Gold is poor 

The scenes of business tell us what are rqen 
The scenes of pleasure what, is all beside 

Wo then apart if wo apart can be 
From mortal man and fortune at our nod 
The gay rich great triumphant and august 
What are they The most happy strange to say 
Convince me most of human misery- 
All this dread order bre:.k for whom for thee 
Vile worm O madness pride impiety 

Man like the generous vine supported lives 

The strength he gains is from the embrace he gives 

Know natures children all divide her care 
The fur that warms a monarch warm d a bear 
While man exclaims see all things for my use 
See man for mine replies a pan per d goose 
And just as short of reason he must fall 
Who thinks all made for one not one for all 

The Almighty from his throne on earth sui 
Nought greater than an honest humble bcail 
An humble heart his residence pronounc d 
His second seat 

Bliss there is none but unprocaiious bliss 
That is the gem sell all ami purchase that 
Why go a begging to contingencies 
Not gain d with ease nor safely lov d if gain d 

N 



134 exercises'. (Promiscuous. 

There is a time when toil must be preferr d 
Of joy by mistim d fondness is undone 
A man of pleasure is a man of pains 

Thus nature gives us let it check oup pride 
The virtue nearest to our vice allied 



See the sole bliss Heav n could on all bestow 
Which who but feels can taste but thinks can knew 
Yet poor with fortune and with learning blind 
The bad must miss the good untaught will find 

Whatever is is right This world tis true 

Was made for Caesar but for Titus too 

And which more blest who chain d his country «ay 

Or he whose virtue sigh d to lose a day 

The first sure symptom of a mind in health 
Is rest of heart and pleasure felt at home 



True happiness resides in things unseen 
No smiles of fortune ever bless the bad 
Nor can her frowns rob innocence of joy 

Oh the dark days of vanity while here 
How tasteless and how terrible when gone 
Gone they ne er go when past they haunt us still 

Father of light and life Thou good supreme 
O teach me what is good Teach me thyself 
Save me from folly vanity and vice 
From ev ry low pursuit and feed my soul 
With knowledge conscious peace and virtue pure 
Sacred substantial never fading bliss 

If I am right thy grace impart 

Still in the -right to stay 
If I am wrong O teach my heart 

To find that betteF way 



Promiscuous.) punctuation. 135 

Save me alike from foolish pride 

Or impious discontent 
At aught thy wisdom has denied 

Or aught thy goodness lent 



O lost to virtue lost to manly thought 
Lost to the nohle sallies of the soul 
Who thinks it solitude to be alone 
Communion sweet communion large and high 
Our reason guardian angel and our God 
Then nearest these when others most remote 
And all ere long shall be remote but these 



Benevolence. 



God loves from whole to parts but human soul 
Must rise from individual to the whole 
Self love but serves the virtuous mind, to wake 
As the small pebble stirs the peaceful lake 
The centre mov'd a circle straight succeeds 
Another still and still another spreads 
Friend parent neighbour first it will embrace 
His country next and next all human race 
Wide and more wide the o erflowings of the mind 
Take ev ry creature in of cv ry kind 
Earth smiles around with boundless bounty ble^i 
And heav n beholds its image in his breast 



Happiness. 

Know then this truth enough for man to know 

Virtue alone is happiness below 

The only point where human bliss stands still 

And tastes the good without the fall to ill 

Where only merit constant pay receives 

Is blest in what it takes and what it gives 

The joy unequalld if its end it gain 

And if it lose attended with no pain 

"Without satiety tho e er so blest 

And but more relish d as the more distress d 



136 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears 

Less pleasing far than virtue s very tears 

Good from each object from each place acquir d 

For ever exercis d yet never tir d 

Never elated while one man s oppress d 

Never dejected while another s blest 

And where no wants no wishes can remain 

Since but to wish more virtue is to gain 



Gratitude. 



When all thy mercies O my God 

My rising soul surveys 
Transported with the view I m lost 

In wonder love and praise 

Oh how shall words with equal warmth 

The gratitude declare 
That glows within my ravish d heart 

But thou canst read it there 



Thy providence my life sustain d 
And all my wants redress d 

When in the silent womb I lay 
And hung upon the breast 

To all my weak complaints and cries 

Thy mercy lent an ear 
Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt 

To form themselves in pray r 

Unnumber d comforts to my soul 

Thy tender care bestow d 
Before my infant heart conceiv d 

From whom those comforts flow d 



When in the sVipp ry paths of youth 
With heedless steps I ran 

Thine arm unseen convey d me safe 
And led me up to man 



[SCUOUS.) PUNCTUATION. . , 137 

Through hidden dangers toils and death 

It gently clear d ray way 
And through the pleasing snares of vice 

More to be feard than they 

When worn with sickness oft hast thou 

With health renew d my face 
And when in sin and sorrow sunk 

Reviv d ray soul with grace 

Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss 

Has made my tup run o er 
And in a kind and faithful friend 

Has doubled all ray store 

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts 

My daily thanks employ 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart 

That tastes those gifts with joy 

Through every period of my life 

Thy goodness 1 11 pursue 
And after death in distant worlds 

The glorious theme renew 

When nature fails and day and night 

Divide thy works no more 
My ever grateful heart O Lord 

Thy mercy shall adore 

Through all eternity to thee 

A joyful song 1 11 raise 
For O eternity s too short 

To utter all thy praise 

The Voyage of life. 

Self flatter d unexperiencd high in hope 

When young Avith sanguine cheer and stnaiun - _ 

We cut our cable launch into the world 

And fondly dream each wind and star our frittid 

N 2 



*38 exercises, {Promises 

All in some darling enterprise embark d 

But where is he can fathom its event 

Amid a multitude of artless hands 

Ruin s sure perquisite her lawful prize 

Some steer aright but the black blast blows hard 

And puiTs them wide of hope With hearts of proof 

Full against wind and tide some win their way 

And when strong effort has deserv d the port 

And tugg d it into view lis won tis Jost 

Though strong their oar still strongev*Is their fate 

They strike and while they triumph they expire 

In stress of weather most some sink outright 

O er them and o er their names the billows close 

To morrow knows not they were ever born 

Others a short memorial leave behind 

Like a flag floating when the bark s ingulf d 

It floats a moment and is seen no more 

One Caesar lives a thousand are forgot 

How few favour d by ev ry element 

With swelling sails make good the promis d port 

With all their wishes freighted Yet ev n these 

Freighted with all their wishes soon complain 

Free from misfortune not from nature free 

They still are men and when is man secure 

As fatal time as storm The rush of years 

Beats down their strength their numberless escapes 

In ruin end and now their proud success 

But plants new terrors on the victor s brow 

"What pain to quit the world just made their own 

Their nests so deeply down d and built so high 

Too low they build who build beneath the star> 



PART. V. 

EXERCISES TO PROMOTE PERSPICUOUS AND ACCI> 
RATE WRITING. 

First, with respect to single words ami phrases. 



CHAP. L 

" Containing violations of the Rules of Purity, 

Grammar, p. 250. Key, p. 110. 

We should be employed dailily in doing good. 

It irks me to see so perverse a disposition. 

I wot not who has done this thing. 

He is no way thy inferior; and, in this instance, 
is no ways to blame. 

The assistance was welcome, and timelily afforded. 

For want of employment, he stroamed idly about 
the fields. 

We ought to live soberly, righteously, and godlily 
in the world. 

He was long indisposed, and at length died of the 
hyp. 

That word follows the general rule, and takes the 
penult accent. 

He was an extra genius, and attracted much at- 
tention. 

The hauteur of Florio was very disgracious, and 
disgusted both his friends and strangers. 

He charged me with want of resolution, in the 
which he was greatly mistaken. 

They have manifested great caudidness in all the 
transaction. 



140 exercises. (Puriti h 

The naturalness of the thought greatly recom- 
mended it. 

The importance, as well as the authenticalness of 
the books, has been clearly displayed. 

It is difficult to discover the spirit and intendment 
of some laws. 

The disposition which he exhibited, was both un- 
-uaturel and incomfortable. 

His natural severity rendered him a very impopu- 
!ar speaker. 

The disquietness of his mind, made his station and 
wealth far from being enviable. 

I received the gift with pleasure, but I shall now 
gladlier resign it. 

These are the things highliest important to the 
growing age. 

It grieveth me to look over so many blank leaves, 
in the book of my life. 

It repenteth me that I have so long walked in the 
paths of folly. 

Methinks I am not mistaken in an opinion, which 
I have so well considered. 

They thought it an important subject, and the 
question was strenuously debated pro and con. 

Thy speech bewrayeth thee ; for thou art a Ga- 
lilean. 

Let us not give too hasty credit to stories which 
•may injure our neighbour: peradventure they are 
the offspring of calumny, or misapprehension. 

The gardens were void of simplicity and elegance: 
. and exhibited much that was glaring and bizarre. 



Propriety.) perspicuity, Sic. 141 

CHAP. II. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Propriety. 
Grammar, p. 251. Key, p. 112. 

SECT. I. 

Avoid low expressions, 

I had as lief do it myself, as persuade another 
to do it. 

Of the justness of his measures he convinced his 
opponent by dint of argument. 

He is not a whit better than those whom he so li- 
berally condemns. 

He stands upon security, and will not liberate him 
till it be obtained. 

The meaning of the phrase, as I take it, is very 
different from the common acceptation. 

The favourable moment should be embraced ; for 
he does not hold long in one mind. 

He exposed himself so much amongst the people, 
that he had like to have gotten one or two broken 
heads. 

He was very dexterous in smelling out the views 
and designs of others. 

If his education was but a little taken care of, he 
might be very useful amongst his neighbours. 

He might have perceived, with half an eye, the 
difficulties to which his conduct exposed hitn. 

If I happen to have a little leisure upon my hands 
to-morrow, I intend to pay them a short visit. 

This performance is much at one with the other. 

The scene was new, and lie was seized with won- 
derment at all he saw. 



142 exercises. {Propriety. 

SECT. II. 

Supply words that are wanting: 

Grammar, p. 252. Key, p. 112. 

Let us consider the works of nature and art, with 
proper attention. 

He is engaged in a treatise on the interests of the 
soul and body. 

Some productions of nature rise in value, accord- 
ing as they more or less resemble those of art. 

The Latin tongue, in its purity, was never in this 
island. 

For some centuries, there was a constant inter* 
course between Fiance and England, by the domi- 
nions we possessed there, and the conquests we 
made. 

He is impressed with a true sense of that func- 
tion, when chosen from a regard to the interests of 
pieiy and virtue. 

The wise and foolish, the virtuous and the vile, 
the learned and ignorant, the temperate and pro- 
fligate, must often, like the wheat and tares, be 
blended together. 

SECT. III. 

In the same sentence, be careful not to use the same 
word too frequently, nor in different senses. 

Grammar, p. 252. Key, p. 113. 

An eloquent speaker may give more, but cannot 
give more convincing arguments, than this plain man 
offered. 

They were persons of very moderate intellect?, 
even before they were impaired by their passions. 

True wit is nature dressed to advantage; and yet 
some works have more wit than does them good. 

The sharks, who prey upon the inadvertency of 
young heirs, are more pardonable than those, who 



Propriety,) perspicuity, he. 143> 

trespass upon the good opinion of those, who treat 
them with great confidence and respect. 

Honour teaches us properly to respect ourselves, 
and to violate no right or privilege of our neigh- 
hour : it leads us to support the feeble, to relieve 
the distressed, and to scorn to be governed by de- 
grading and injurious passions : and yet we see 
honour is the motive which urges the destroyer to 
take the life of his friend. 

He will be always with you to support and com- 
fort you, and in some measure to succeed your la- 
bours ; and he will also be with all his faithful mi-, 
nisters, who shall succeed you in his service. 

SECT. IV. 

Avoid the injudicious use of technical terms.-' 

Grammar, p. 255. Key, p. 114, 

Most of our hands were asleep in their births, 
when the vessel shipped a sea, that carried away our 
pinnace and binnacle. Our dead-lights were in. 01 
we should have filled. The mainmast was so 
sprung, that we were obliged to fish it, and Lea> 
away for Lisbon. 

The book is very neatly printed : the i-rcale-board- 
ing is ample and regular, and the register exact. 



* The examples under this section, and perhaps a few others in 
different parts of the lw.uk. may be too difficult lor learners to e& 
rect without assistance , but as some illustration of th« rules to 
which they relate, was requisite", they could not properly be omit 
ted. By an attentive perusal of them, and a subsequent application 
to the Teacher, or to ibe Key.. the scholar will perceive the i 
of the rule, and the mode in which similar errors ma) be ;• 



1 44 EXERC i s e s , (Propriety. 

SECT. V. 

Avoid equivocal or ambiguous words. 

Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 114. 

When our friendship is considered, how is it pos- 
sible that I should not grieve for his loss ? 

The eagle killed the hen, and eat her in her own 
Best. 

It may be justly said, that no laws are better than 
the English. 

The pretenders to polish and refine the English 
language, have chiefly multiplied abuses and absurd- 
ities. 

The English adventurers, instead of reclaiming 
the natives from their uncultivated manners, were 
gradually assimilated to the ancient inhabitants, and 
degenerated from the customs of their own natron. 

It has boen said, that not only Jesuits can equi- 
vocate. 

You will not think that these people, when in- 
jured, have the least right to our protection. 

Solomon the son of David, who built the temple 
of Jerusalem, was the richest monarch that reigned 
over the Jewish people. 

Solomon the son of David, who was persecuted 
by Saul, was the richest monarch of the Jews. 

It is certain that all words which are signs of 
complex ideas, may furnish matter of mistake and 
cavil. 

Lisias promised to his father, never to abandon 
his friends. 

The Divine Being heapeth favours on his ser- 
vants, ever liberal and faithful. 

Every well instructed scribe, is like a householder, 
who bringeth out of his treasure things new and old. 

He was willing to spend a hundred or two pounds 
rather than be enslaved. 

Dryden makes a very handsome observation, on 



Propriety.) perspicuity, &c. i-1- 

Ovid'3 writing a letter from Dido to iEneas, in the 
following words. 

Imprudent associations disqualify us for the in- 
struction or reproof of others. 

SECT. VI. 

Avoid ■unintelligible, and inconsistent words and 
phrases. 

Grammar, p. 253. Key, p. 116. 

I seldom see a noble building, or any great piece 
of magnificence and pomp, but I think, how little i- 
all this to satisfy the ambition, or to fill the idea, of 
an immortal soul. 

A poet, speaking of the universal deluge, says ; 

Yet when that flood in its own depth was drown'd, 
It left behind it false and slipp'ry ground. 

The author of the Spectator says, that a man i 
not qualified for a bust, who has not a good deal of 
wit and vivacity, even in the ridiculous side of iii^ 
character. 

x\nd Bezaleel made the laver of brass, and the 
foot of it of brass, of the iookingrglasses of the 
women. 

And, in the lowest deep, a lower deep 
Still threatening to devour me, opens wide. 

SECT. VII. 

Avoid all such words and phrases, as art not adapt- 
ed to the ideas you mean to coatmtu 
are less significant than others, pflho 

Cinmimar, p. 25(1. Key, p. 116, 

No less than two hundred scholars have 
educated in that school. 

The attempt, however laudable, was found I 
impracticable. O 



1-46 exercises* (Propriety. 

He is our mutual benefactor, and deserves our 
respect and obedience. 

Vivacity is often promoted, by presenting a sen- 
sible object to the mind, instead of an intelligible 
one. 

They broke down the banks, and the country was 
soon overflown. 

The garment was decently formed, and sown very 
neatly. 

The house is a cold one, for it has a north ex- 
position. 

The proposition, fop each of us to relinquish some- 
thing, was complied with, and produced a cordial 
reconcilement. 

Though learn'd, well bred ; and though well bred, sin- 
cere ; 
Modestly bold, and humanly severe. 

A fop is a risible character, in every one's view 
but his own. 

An action that excites laughter, without any mix- 
ture of contempt, may be called a ridiculous action. 

It is difficult for him to speak three sentences 
together. 

By this expression," I -do not intend what some 
persons annex to it. 

The negligence of timely precaution was the 
cause of this great loss. 

All the sophism which has been employed, can- 
not obscure so plain a truth. 

Disputing should always be so managed, as to re- 
member that the only end of it is truth. 

My friend was so. ill that he could not set up at 
all, but was obliged to lay continually in bed. 

A certain prince, it is said, when he invaded the 
Egyptians, placed, in the front of his army, a num- 
ber of cats and other animals, which were worship- 
ped by those people. A reverence for these phan- 



Propriety.) perspicuity, he* 147 

toms, made the Egyptians lie down their arms, and 
become an easy conquest. 

The presence of the Deity, and the interest such 
an august cause is supposed to take in our concerns, 
is a source of consolation. 

And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of 
the hall, and were set down together, Peter set 
down among them. i 

By the slavish disposition of the senate and peo- 
ple of Rome, under the emperors, the wit and elo- 
quence of the age were wholly turned into pane- 
gyric. 

The refreshment came in seasonably, before they 
were laid down to rest. 

We speak that we do know, and testify that we 
have seen. 

They shall (lee as the eagle that hasteth to eat. 

The wicked fly when no man pursueth : but the 
righteous are bold as a lion. 

A creature of a more exalted kind 
Was wanting yet, and then was man design'd. 
m *. 

He died with violence ; for he was killed by a 
sword. 

He had scarcely taken the medicine, than he be- 
gan to feel himself relieved. 

No place and no object appear to him void of 
beauty. 

When we fall into a persons conversation, the 6r$1 
thing we should consider, is, the intention of it. 

Galileo discovered the telescope ; Hervev invent- 
ed the circulation of the blood. 

Philip found an obstacle to the managing of the 
Athenians, from the nature of their dispositions ; 
the eloquence of Demosthenes was the greatest 
Acuity in his designs. 

A hermit is rigorous in his Life; a judge, austere 
Jn his sentences* 



■ 



L48 exercises. (Precision, 

A candid man avows bis mistake, and is forgiven ; 
a patriot acknowledges his opposition to a bad mi- 
nister, and is applauded. 

We have enlarged our family and expenses ; and 
increased. our garden and fruit orchard. 

By proper reflection, we maybe taught to mend 
what is erroneous and defective. 

The good man is not overcome by disappoint- 
ment, when that which is mortal passes away j when 
1 hat which is mutable, dies ; and when that which 
he knew to be transient, begins to change. 



CHAP. III. 

Containing violations of the Rules of Precision. 

Grammar, p. 257. Key, p. 119. 

This great politician desisted from, and re- 
nounced his designs, when he found them impracti- 
cable. 

He was of so high and independent a spirit, that 
he abhorred and detested being in debt. 

Though raised to an exalted station, she was a 
pattern of piety, virtue, and religion. 

The human body may be divided into the head, 
trimk, limbs, and vitals. 

His end soon approached ; and he died with great 
courage and fortitude. 

He was a man of so much pride and vanity, that 
he despised the sentiments of others. 

Poverty induces and cherishes dependence ; and 
dependence strengthens and increases corruption. 

This man, on all occasions, treated his inferiors 
with great haughtiness and disdain. 

There can be no regularity or order in the life 
nnd conduct of that man, who does not give and 



m 



Precision.) perspicuity, &c. ] H< . 

allot a due share of his time, to retirement and re- 
flection. 

Such equivocal and ambiguous expressions, mark 
a formed intention to deceive and abuse us. 
' His cheerful, happy temper, remote from discon- 
tent, keeps up a kind of daylight in his mind, ex- 
cludes every gloomy prospect, and fills it with a 
steady and perpetual serenity. 



• 






*50 * exerciser. (Clearness. 



Secondly. Exercises to promote perspicuity and 
accuracy, with respect to the construction of Sen- 
tences, 



CHAP. I. 

Containing sentences in which the Rules of Clearness 
are violated. 

Grammar; p. 263. Key, p. 120 

SECT. L 
In the position of Adverbs. 

Hence the impossibility appears, that an under- 
taking managed so, should prove successful. 

May not we here say with the poet, that " virtue 
is its own reward . p " 

Had he died before, would not then this art have 
been wholly unknown f 

Not to exasperate him, I only spoke a very few 
words. 

The works of art receive a great advantage from 
the resemblance which they have to those of nature, 
because here the similitude is not only pleasant, but 
the pattern is perfect. 

It may be proper to give some account of those 
practices, anciently used on such occasions, and only 
discontinued through the neglect and degeneracy of 
later times. 

Sixtus the fourth was, if I mistake not, a great 
collector of books at least. 

fclfjjpouis XIV. was not the greatest king, he was 
the best actor of firiaiestv, at least, that ever filled a 
thlVlie. 



Clearness.) perspicuity, &c. 151 

These forms of conversation, by degrees multi- 
plied and grew troublesome. 

Nor does this false modesty expose us only to 
such actions as are indiscreet, but very often to such 
as are highly criminal. 

By greatness, I do not only mean the bulk of any 
single object, but the largeness of a whole view. 

I was engaged formerly in that business, but I 
never shall be again concerned in it. 

We do those things frequently, which we repent 
of afterwards. 

By doing the same thing, it often becomes ha- 
bitual. 

Most nations, not even excepting the Jews, were 
prone to idolatry. ^ 

Raised to greatness without merit, he employed 
his power for the gratification solely of his passions, 

SECT. II. 

In the position of circumstances, and of particular 
members. 

f Grammar, p. 263. Key, p. 121. 

The embarrassments of the artificers, rendered 
the progress very slow of the work. 

He found the place replete with wonders, of 
which he proposed to solace himself with the con- 
templation, if he should never be able to accomplish 
his flight. 

They are now engaged in a study, of which they 
have long wished to know the usefulness. 

This was an undertaking, which, in the execution, 
proved as impracticable, as had turned out every 
other of their pernicious, yet abortive schemes. 

He thought that the presbyters would soon be- 
come more dangerous to the magistrates, thau had 
ever been the prelalical clergy. 

Frederick, seeing it was impossible to trust, with 



1,52 exercises* (Clearness. 

safety, his life in their hands, was obliged to take 
the Mahometans for his guard. 

The emperor refused to convert at once, the truce 
into a definitive treaty. 

However, the miserable remains were, in the 
night, taken down. 

I have settled the meaning of those pleasures of 
the imagination, which are the subject of my pre- 
sent undertaking, by way of introduction, in this 
paper; and endeavoured to recommend the pursuit 
of those pleasures to my readers, by several con- 
siderations: I shall examine the several sources 
from whence these pleasures arei 3 derived, in my 
next paper. 

Sir Francis Bacon, in^his Essays upon Health, has 
not thought it improper to prescribe to his reader a 
poem, or a prospect, where he particularly dissuades 
him from knotty and subtle disquisitions ; and ad- 
vises him to pursue studies that fill the mind with 
splendid and illustrious objects, as history, poetry. 
and contemplations of nature. 

If the English reader would see the notion ex- i 
plained at large, he may find it in Locke^Essay on 
the Human Understanding. 

Fields of corn form a pleasant prospect ; and if 
the walks were a little taken care of that lie between 
them, they would display neatness, regularity, and 
elegance. 

Though religion will indeed bring us under some 
restraints, they are very tolerable, and not only so. 
but desirable on the whole. 

I have confined myself to those methods for the 
advancement of piety, which are in the power of a 
prince, limited like ours, by a strict execution of the 
laws. 

This morning, when one of the gay females was 
poking over some hoods and ribands,, brought by her 



Clearness.) perspicuity, Ssc. 153 

tirewoman, with great care and diligence, I employed 
no less in examining the box which contained them. 

Since it is necessary that there should be a perpe- 
tual intercourse of buying and selling, and dealing 
upon credit, where fraud is permitted or connived at, 
or has no law to punish it, the honest dealer is often 
undone, and the knave gets the advantage. 

Though energetic brevity is not adapted alike to 
every subject, we ought to avoid its contrary, on 
every occasion, a languid redundancy of words. It- 
is proper to be copious sometimes, but never to be 
verbose. 

A monarchy, limited like ours, may be placed, for 
aught I know, as it has been often represented, just 
in the middle point, from whence a deviation leads, 
on the one hand, to tyranny, and, on the other, to 
anarchy. 

Having already shown how the fancy is affected 
by the works of nature, and afterwards considered, 
in general, both the works of nature and of art, how 
they mutually assist and complete each other, in 
•forming such scenes and prospects as are most apt 
to delight the mind of the beholders; I shall in this 
paper throw together some reflections, &tc. 

Let but one great, brave, disinterested, active man 
arise, and he will be received, venerated, and fol- 
lowed. 

Ambition creates seditions, wars, discords, hatred, 
and shiness. 

The scribes made it their profession to teach and 
to study the law of Moses. 

Sloth pours upon us a deluge of crime9 and evils, 
and saps the foundation of every virtue. 

The ancient laws of Rome were so far from suf- 
fering a Roman citizen to be put to death, that they 
would not allow him to be bound, or even to be 
whipped. 



154 exercises. (Clearness. 

His labours to acquire knowledge have been pro- 
ductive of great satisfaction and success. 

He was a man of the greatest prudence, virtue, 
justice, and modesty. 

His favour or disapprobation was governed by 
the failure or success of an enterprise. 

He did every thing in his power to serve his 
benefactor ; and had a grateful sense of the benefits 
received. 

Many persons give evident proof, that either they 
do not feel the power of the principles of religion, 
or that they do not believe them. 

As the guilt of an officer will be greater than that 
of a common servant, if he prove negligent ; so the 
reward of his fidelity will proportionally be greater. 

The comfort annexed to goodness is the pious 
man's strength. It inspires his zeal. It attaches 
his heart to religion. It accelerates his progress ; 
and supports his constancy. 

SECT. III. 

In the disposition of the relative pronouns who, 
which, what, whose, and of all those particles, which 
express the connexion of the parts of speech with one 
another. 

Grammar, p. 266. Key, p. 124. 

These are the master's rules, who must be obeyed. 

They attacked Northumberland's house, whom 
they put to death. 

He laboured to involve his minister in ruin, who 
had been the author of it. 

It is true what he says, but it is not applicable to 
the point. 

The French marched precipitately as to an assur- 
ed victory ; whereas the English advanced very slow- 
ly and discharged such flights of arrows, as did great 
execution. When they drew near the archers, per- 



Clearness.) febspicuity, &c. laZ 

ceiving that they were out of breath, they charged 
them with great vigour. 

He was taking a view, from a window, of the 
cathedral in Lichfield, where a party of the royalists 
kad fortified themselves. 

We no where meet with a more splendid or pleas- 
ing show in nature, than what appears in the heavens 
at the rising and setting of the sun, which is wholly 
made up of those different strains of light, that show 
themselves in clouds of a different situation. 

There will be found a round million of creatures 
in human figure, throughout this kingdom, whose 
whole subsistence, &c. 

ft is the custom of the Mahometans, if they see 
any^ printed or written paper upon the ground, to 
take it up, and lay it aside carefully, as not knowing 
but it may contain some piece of their Alcoran. 

The laws of nature are, truly, what Lord Bacon 
styles his aphorisms, laws of laws. Civil laws are 
always imperfect, and often false deductions from 
them, or applications of them ; nay, they stand, in 
many instances, in direct opposition to them. 

It has not a word, says Pope, but what the author 
religiously thinks in it. 

Many act so directly contrary to this method, that 
from a habit of saving time and paper, which they 
acquired at the university, they write in so diminu- 
tive a manner, that they can hardly read what they 
have written. 

Thus I have fairly given you my own opinion, as 
well as that of a great majority of both housed here, 
relating to this weighty affair : upon which I am 
confident you may securely reckon. 

If we trace a youth from the earliest period cf 
life, who has been weJl educated, we shall perceive 
the wisdom of the maxims here recommended. 



156 exercises. (Unity. 



CHAP. II. 

Containing sentences in which the rules of Unity are: 
violated. 

Grammar, p. 267. Key, p. 126. 

SECT. I. 

During the course of the sentence, the scene should be 
changed as little as possible. 

A short time after this injury, he came to him- 
self; and the next day, they put him on board a 
ship, which conveyed him first to Corinth, and 
thence to the island of iEgina. 

The Britons, daily harassed by cruel inroads from 
the Picts, were forced to call in the Saxons for their 
defence ; who consequently reduced the greater 
part of the Island to their own power ; drove the 
Britons into the most remote and mountainous part ; 
and the rest of the country, in customs, religion, and 
language, became wholly Saxons. 

By eagerness of temper, and precipitancy of in- 
dulgence, men forfeit all the advantages which 
patience would have procured ; and, by this means, 
the opposite evils are incurred to their full extent. 

This prostitution of praise does not only aflect 
the gross of mankind, who take their notion of cha- 
racters from the learned ; but also the better sort 
must, by this means, lose some part at least of their 
desire of fame, when they find it promiscuously be- 
stowed on the meritorious and undeserving. 

All the precautions of prudence, moderation, and 
condescension, which Eumenes employed, were in- 
capable of mollifying the hearts of those barbarians, 
and of extinguishing their jealousy ; and he must 
have renounced his merit and virtue which occa- 
sioned it, to have been capable of appeasing them. 



Unity.) perspicuity, &c. 161 

He who performs every employment in its due 
place and season, suffers no part of time to escape 
without profit ; and thus his days become multiplied ; 
and much of life is enjoyed in little space. 

Desires of pleasure usher in temptation, and the 
growth of disorderly passions is forwarded. 

SECT. II. 

We should never crowd into one sentence, things 
which have so little connexion, that they could tear to 
be divided into two or three sentences. 

Grammar, p. 268. Key, p. 127. 

The notions of lord Sunderland were always 
good ; but he was a man of great expense. 

In this uneasy state, both of his public and pri- 
vate life, Cicero was oppressed by a new and deep 
affliction, the death of his beloved daughter Tullia; 
which happened soon after her divorce from Dola- 
hella ; whose manners and humours were entirely 
disagreeable to her. 

The sun approaching melts the snow, and breaks 
the icy fetters of the main, where vast sea-monster.-? 
pierce through floating islands, with arms which can 
withstand the crystal rock ; whilst others, that of 
themselves seem great as islands, are, by their 
alone, armed against all but man, whose superiority 
over creatures of such stupendous size ami force, 
should make him mindful of his privilege of reason ; 
and force him humbly to adore the great Composer 
of these wondrous frames, and the Aulhur of his 
own superior wisdom. 

I single Strada out among the moderns, because 
he liad the foolish presumption to censure Taciiu-, 
and to write history himself; and my friend will 
give this short excursion in honour of a favourite 
writer. 

Boast not thyself of to-morrow; thou kno 
P 



158 exercises. (Unity. 

not what a day may bring forth : and, for the same 
reason, despair not of to-morrow ; for it may bring 
forth good as well as evil ; which is a ground for 
not vexing thyself with imaginary fears ; for the im- 
pending black cloud, which is regarded with so 
much dread, may pass by harmless : or though it 
should discharge the storm, yet before it breaks, 
thou mayest be lodged in that lowly mansion which 
no storms ever touch. 

SECT. III. 

We should keep clear of all unnecessary parentheses. 

Grammar, p. 270. Key, p. 123. 

Disappointments will often happen to the best 
and wisest men, (not through any imprudence of 
theirs, nor even through the malaee or ill design of 
others : but merely in consequence of some of those 
cross incidents of life which could not be foreseen,) 
and sometimes to the wisest and best concerted 
plans. 

Without some degree of patience exercised under 
injuries, (as offences and retaliations would succeed 
to one another in endless train,) human life would 
be rendered a state of perpetual hostility. 

Never delay till to-morrow, (for to-morrow is not 
yours ; and though you should live to enjoy it, you 
must not overload it with a burden not its own.) 
what reason and conscience tell you ought to be per- 
formed to-day. 

We must not imagine that there is, in true reli- 
gion, any thing which overcasts the mind with sul- 
len gloom and melancholy austerity, (for false ideas 
may be entertained of religion, as false and imper- 
fect conceptions of virtue have often prevailed in 
the world,) or which derogates from that esteem 
which men are generally disposed to yield to exem- 
plary virtues. 



Strength.) perspicuity, &c. 159 



CHAP. III. 

Containing sentences, in which the rules for promoting 
the Strength of a sentence are violated. 

Grammar, p. 271. Key. p. l~!'. 

SECT. T. 

The first rule for promoting the strength of a 
sentence, is, to prune it of all redundant words and 
members. 

It is six month ago, since I paid a visit to my re- 
lations. 

Suspend your censure so long, till your judgment 
on the subject can be wisely formed. 

The reason why he acted in the manner he did, 
was not fully explained. 

If I were to give a reason for their looking so 
well, it would be because they rise earl}'. 

If I mistake not, I think he is improved, both in 
knowledge and behaviour. 

Those two boys appear to be both equal in ca- 
pacity. 

Whenever he sees me, he always inquires con- 
cerning his friends. 

The reason of his conduct will be accounted for 
in the conclusion of this narrative. 

I hope this is the last time that I shall ever act 
so imprudently. 

The reason of his sudden departure, was on ac- 
count of the case not admitting of delay. 

The people gained nothing farther by ibis 
but only to suspend their misery. 

I have hen- supposed that the reader is acquainted 
with that great modern discovery, which is at present. 



160 exercises- {Strength. 

universally acknowledged by all the inquirers into 
natural philosophy. 

There are few words in the English language, 
which are employed rn a more loose and uncircum- 
scribed sense, than those of the fancy and the ima- 
gination. 

I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
of my following speculations, that the reader may 
conceive rightly what is the subject upon which I 
proceed. 

Commend me to an argument that, like a flail, 
there is no fence against it. 

How many arc there, by whom these tidings of 
good news were never heard ! 

These points have been illustrated in so plain and 
evident a manner, that the perusal of the book has 
given me pleasure and satisfaction. 

However clear and obvious the conduct which he 
ought to have pursued, he had not courage and re- 
solution to set about it. 

I was much moved on this occasion, and left the 
place full of a great many serious reflections. 

They are of those that rebel against the Light 
they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the 
paths thereof. 

This measure may afford some profit, and furnish 
some amusement. 

By a multiplicity and variety of words, the thoughts 
and sentiments are not set off and accommodated; 
but like David dressed out and equipped in Saul's 
armour, they are encumbered and oppFessed. 

Although he was closely occupied with the affairs 
of the nation, nevertheless he did not neglect the 
concerns of his friends. 

Whereas, on the other hand, supposing that se- 
crecy had been enjoined, his conduct was very cul- 
r.able. 



Strength) perspicuity, &c. 161 

Less capacity is required for this business, but 
more time is necessary. 

He did not mention Leonora, nor that her father 
was dead. 

The combatants encountered each other with such 
rage, that 6eing eager only to assail, and thought- 
less of making any defence, they both fell dead up- 
on the field together. 

1 shall, in the first place, begin with remarking- 
the defects, and shall then proceed afterwards t<> 
describe the excellencies, of this plan of education. 

Numberless orders of beings, which are to us un- 
known, people the wide extent of the universe. 

His extraordinary beauty was such, that it struck 
observers with admiration. 

Thought and language act and re-act upon each 
other mutually. 

Their interests were dependent upon, and insepa- 
rably connected with each other. 

While you employ all the circumspection and 
vigilance which reason can suggest, let your prayers, 
at the same time, continually ascend to heaven for 
support and aid. 

SECT. II. 

The second rule for promoting the strength of a 
sentence, is, to attend particularly to the use of co- 
pulatives, relatives, and all the particles employed for 
transition and connexion. 

Grammar, p. 27-!. Key, p. I.'. I. 

Tin: enemy said, I will pursue, and I will over- 
take, and I will divide the spoil. 

While the earth reinaineth, seejtftjn 
cold, heat, summer, winter, day and night, shall not 
pease. 

A man should endeavour to make the 
his innocent pleasures as wide hat be 

r : 



162 exercises. {Strength, 

may retire into them with safety, and find in them 
such satisfaction as a wise man would not blush to 
take. Of this nature are those of imagination. 

The army was composed of Grecians, Carians v . 
Lycians, Paraphylians, and Phrygians. 

The body of this animal was strong, and propor- 
tionable; and beautiful. 

There is nothing which promotes knowledge more 
than steady application, and a habit of observation. 

Though virtue borrows no assistance from, yet it 
may often be accompanied by, the advantages of 
fortune. 

The knowledge be has acquired, and the habits of 
application he possesses, will probably render him 
very useful. 

Their idleness, and their luxury and pleasures* 
their criminal deec'^, and their immoderate passions, 
and their timidity and baseness of mind, have de- 
jected them to such a degree, as to make them wea- 
ry of life. 

I was greatly affected, insomuch that I was obliged 
to leave the place, notwithstanding that my as- 
sistance has been pressingly solicited. 

I strenuously opposed those measures, and it was 
not in my power to prevent them. 

I yielded to his solicitations, whilst I perceived 
the necessity of doing so. 

For the wisest purposes. Providence has designed 
our slate to be chequered with pleasure and pain. 
In this manner let us receive it, and make the* 
best of what is appointed to be our lot. 

In the time of prosperity, he had stored his mind 
with useful knowledge, with good principles, and 
virtuous dispositions. And therefore they remain 
entire, when the days o^ trouble come. 

He had made considerable advances in knowledge, 
but he r.as very young, a-nd laboured under several 



Strength.) perspicuity, he. 163 

SECT. III. 

The third rule for promoting the strength of a sen- 
.fence, is, to dispose of the capital word, or words, so 
that they may make the greatest impression. 

Grammar, p. 277. Key, p. 132. 

I have considered the subject with a good deal 
of attention, upon which I was desired to communi- 
cate my thoughts. 

Whether a choice altogether unexceptionable has, 
in any country, been made, seems doubtful. 

Let us endeavour to establish to ourselves an in- 
terest in Him, who holds the reins of the whole crea- 
tion in his hands. 

Virgil, who has cast the whole system of platonic 
philosophy, so far as it relates to the soul of man, 
Into beautiful allegories, in the sixth book of his 
iEneid, gives us the punishment, &c. 

And Philip the fourth was obliged, at last, to con- 
clude a peace, on terms repugnant to his inclination, 
to that of his people, to the interest of Spain, and to 
that of all Europe, in the Pyrenean treaty. 

Jt appears that there are, by a late calculation, 
upwards of fifteen millions of inhabitants, in Great 
Britain and Ireland. 

And although persons of a virtuous and learned 
education, may be, and too often are, drawn by the 
temptations of youth, and the opportunities of a large 
fortune, into some irregularities, when they come 
forward into the great world, il is ever with reluc- 
tance and compunction of mind, because their bias 
to virtue still continues. 

Were instruction an essential rircumsionce in cpi< 
poetry, I doubt whether a single instance could Lm 
given of this species of composition, in any Ian 
gua$fc. 

Sonic of our most eminent writers have made use 
of" this platonic notion, us fur us it regards the su'b. 



164 exercises. (Strength. 

sistenee of our affections after death, with great 
beauty and strength of reason. 

Men of the best sense have been touched, more 
or less, with these groundless horrors and presages 
of futurity, upon surveying the most indifferent 
works of nature. 

He that*, cometh in the name of the Lord, is 
blessed. 

Every one that puts on the appearance of good- 
ness, is not good. 

And Eiias with Moses appeared to them. 

Where are your fathers ? and do the prophets live 
for ever ? 

We came to our journey's end at last with no 
^rnall difficulty, after much fatigue, through deep 
roads and bad weather. 

Virgil has justly contested with Homer, the praise 
of judgment, but his invention remains yet unri- 
valled. 

Let us employ our criticism on ourselves, instead 
of being critics on others. 

Let us implore superior assistance, for enabling us 
to act well our own part, leaving others to be judged 
by Him who searcheth the heart. 

The vehemence of passion, after it has exercised 
its tyrannical sway for a while, may subside by 
degrees. 

This fa ] lacious art debars us from enjo)jjng life. 
instead of lengthening it. 

Indulging ourselves in imaginary enjoyments, of- 
ten deprives us of real ones. 

How will that nobleman be able to conduct him- 
self; when^reduced to poverty, who was educated 
only to magnificence and pleasure? 

It is highly proper that a man should be acquainted 
with a variety of things, of which, the utility is above 
a child's comprehension : but is 1 it necessary a child 



Strength.) perspicuity, &c. 165 

should learn every thing it behoves a man to know ; 
or is it even possible ? 

When they fall into sudden difficulties, they are 
less perplexed than others in the like circumstances ; 
and when they encounter dangers, they are less 
alarmed. 

For all your actions, you must hereafter give an 
account, and particularly for the employments of 
youth. 

SECT. IV. 

The fourth rule for promoting the strength of sen' 
fences, is, that a weaker assertion or proposition should 
never come after a stronger one ; and that, when our 
sentence consists of two members, the longer should, 
generally, be the concluding one. 

Grammar, p. 279. Key, p. 134. 

Charity breathes long suffering to enemies, 
courtesy to strangers, habitual kindness towards 
friends. 

Gentleness ought to diffuse itself over our whole 
behaviour, to form our address, and regulate our 
speech. 

The propensity to look forward into life, is too 
often grossly abused, and immoderately indulged. 

The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life, 
will prove the best preparation for immortality, for 
old age, and death. 

These rules are intended to teach young persons 
to write with propriety, elegance, and perspicuity. 

Sinful pleasures blast the opening prospects of 
human felicity, and degrade human honour. 

In this state of mind, every employment of life 
becomes an oppressive burden, and e\ery object 
appears gloomy. 

They will acquire different views, applying to 
the honourable discharge of the functions of their 
station, and entering on a virtuous course of action 



166 exercises. (Stre7igth, 

By the perpetual course of dissipation, in which 
sensualists are engaged ; by the riotous revel, and 
the midnight, or rather morning hours, to which 
they prolong their festivity ; by the excesses which 
they indulge ; they debilitate their bodies, cut them- 
selves off from the comforts and duties of life, and 
wear out their spirits. 

SECT. V. 

A fifth rule for the strength of sentences, is, to avoid 
concluding them with an adverb, a preposition, or any 
inconsiderable word. 

Grammar, p. 28Q. Key, p. 135. 

By what I have already expressed, the reader 
will perceive the business which I am to proceed 
upon. 

May the happy message be applied to us, in all 
the virtue, strength, and comfort of it ! 

Generosity is a showy virtue, which many persons 
are very fond of. 

These arguments were, without hesitation, and 
with great eagerness, laid hold of. 

It is proper to be long in deliberation, but we 
should speedily execute. 

Form your measures with prudence ; but all 
anxiety about the issue divest yourselves of. 

We are struck, we know not how, with the sym- 
metry of any thing we see ; and immediately ac- 
knowledge the beauty of an object, without inquir- 
ing into the particular causes and occasions of it. 

With Cicero's writings, these persons are more 
conversant, than with those of Demosthenes, who, 
by many degrees, excelled the other ; at least as an 
orator. 

SECT. VI. 

A sixth rule relating to the strength of a sentence 



Strength.) perspicuity, &c. 167 

is that, in the members of a sentence, where two things 
are compared or contrasted with one another ; where 
either a resemblance, or an opposition, is intended to be 
expressed ; some resemblance, in the language and con- 
struction, should be preserved. For when the things 
themselves correspond to each other, we naturally expect 
to find a similar correspondence in the words. 

Grammar, p. 281. Key, p. 136. 

Our British gardeners, instead of humouring na- 
ture, love to deviate from it as much as possible. 

I have observed of late the style of some great 
ministers, very much to exceed that of any other 
productions. 

The old may inform the young ; and the young 
may animate those who are advanced in life. 

The account is generally balanced ; for what we 
are losers on the one hand, we gain on the other. 

The laughers will be for those who have most 
wit ; the serious part of mankind, for those who 
have most reason on their side. 

If men of eminence are exposed to censure on 
the one hand, they are as much liable to flattery on 
the other. If they receive reproaches which are 
not due them, they likewise receive praises which 
they do not deserve. 

He can bribe, but he is not able to seduce. He 
can buy, but he has net the power of gaining. He 
can lie, but no one is deceived by him. 

He embraced the cause of liberty faintly, and pur- 
sued it without resolution ; he grew tired of it, when 
he had much to hope; and gave it up, when there 
was no ground for apprehension. 

There may remain a suspicion that ire overrate 
the greatness of his geniu-, in Hie sariie manner as 
bodies appear more gigantic, on account of then- 
being disproportioned and misshapen 



169 exercises. (Strength, 

SECT. VII. 

The seventh rule for promoting the strength and ef- 
fect of sentences , is, to attend to the harmony and easy 
flow of the words and members. 

Grammar, p. 282. Key, p. 136. 

Sobermindedness suits the present state of man. 

As conventiclers, these people were seized and 
punished. 

To use the Divine name customarily, and without 
serious consideration, is highly irreverent. 

From the favourableness with which he was at 
first received, great hopes of success were enter- 
tained. 

They conducted themselves wilily, and ensnared 
us before we had time to escape. 

It belongs not to our humble and confined station, 
to censure, but to adore, submit, and trust. 

Under all its labours, hope is the mind's solace ; 
and the situations which exclude it entirely are few. 

The humbling of those that are mighty, and the 
precipitation of persons who are ambitious, from the 
towering height that they had gained, concern but 
little the bulk of men. 

Tranquillity, regularity, and magnanimity, reside 
with the religious and resigned man. 

Sloth, ease, success, naturally tend to beget vices 
and follies. 

By a cheerful, even, and open temper, he conci- 
liated general favour. 

We reached the mansion before noon. It was a 
strong, grand, Gothic house. 

I had a long and perilous journey, hut a comfort- 
able companion, who relieved the fatigue of it. 

The speech was introduced by a sensible pream- 
ble, which made a favourable impression. 

The commons made an angry remonstrance 
against such an arbitrary requisition. 

The truly illustrious are they who do not court 



Strength.) perspicuity, &c. 169 

© 
the praise of the world* but who perform such ac- 
tions as make them indisputably deserve it. 

By the means of society, our wants come to be 
supplied, and our lives are rendered comfortable, as 
well as our capacities enlarged, and our virtuous af- 
fections called forth into their proper exercise. 

Life cannot but prove vain to such persons as af- 
fect a disrelish of every pleasure, which is not both 
new and exquisite, measuring their enjoyments by 
fashion's standard, and not by what they feel them- 
selves ; and thinking that if others do not admire 
their state, they are miserable. 

By experiencing distress, an arrogant insensibility 
of temper is most effectually corrected, from the re- 
membrance of our own sufferings naturally prompt- 
ing us to feel for others in their sufferings : and it 
Providence has favoured us, so as not to make us 
subject in our own lot to much of this kind of dis- 
cipline,- we should extract improvement from the lot 
of others that is harder; and step aside sometimes 
from the flowery and smooth paths which it is per- 
mitted us to walk in, in order to view the toilsome 
march of our fellow-creatures through the thorny 
desert. 

As no one is without his failings, so few want good 
qualities* 

Providence delivered them up to themselves, and 
they tormented themselves. 

From disappointments and trials, we learn the in- 
sufficiency of temporal things to happiness, and the 
necessity to goodness. 



Q 



170 exercises. (Figures. 



CHAP. IV. 

Instances of an irregular use of Figures of Speech. 

Grammar, p. 287. Key, p. 133. 

No. human happiness is so serene as not to con- 
tain any alloy. 

There is a time when factions, by the vehemence 
of their own fermentations, stun and disable one 
another. 

I intend to make use of these words in the thread 
of my speculations. 

Hope, the balm of life, darts a ray of light through 
the thickest gloom. 

The scheme was highly expensive to him, and 
proved the Charybdis of his estate. 

He was so much skilled in the empire of the oar, 
that few could equal him. 

The death of Cato has rendered the senate an 
orphan. 

Let us be attentive to keep our mouths as with a 
bridle ; and to steer our vessel aright, that we may 
avoid the rocks and shoals, which lie every where 
around us. 

At length Erasmus, that great injur'd name, 
(The glory of the priesthood and the shame,) 
Curb'd the wild torrent of a barb'rous age, 
And drove those holy Vandals off the stage. 

In this our day of proof, our land of hope, 
The good man has his clouds that intervene ; 
Clouds that may dim his sublunary day, 
But cannot conquer: even the best must own. 
Patience and resignation are the columns 
Of human peace on earth. 



Figures.) perspicuity, &c. 171 

On the wide sea of letters, 'twas thy boast 
To crowd each sail, and touch at ev'ry coast ; 
From that rich mine how often hast thou brought 
The pure and precious pearls of splendid thought! 
How didst thou triumph on that subject tide. 
Till vanity's wild gust, and stormy pride, 
Drove thy strong mind, in evil hour, to split 
Upon the fatal rock of impious wit ! 

Since the time that reason began to bud, and put 
forth her shoots, thought, during our waking hours, 
has been active in every breast, without a mo- 
ment's suspension or pause. The current of ideas 
has been always moving. The wheels of the spiri- 
tual engine have exerted themselves with perpetual 
motion. 

The man who has no rule over his own spirit, 
possesses no antidote against poisons of any sort. 
He lies open to every insurrection of ill-humour, and 
every gale of distress. Whereas he who is employ- 
ed in regulating his mind, is making provision against 
all the accidents of life. He is erecting a fortress 
into which, in the day of sorrow, he can retreat with 
satisfaction/ 

Tamerlane the Great, writes to Bajazet, emperor 
of the Ottomans, in the following terms — w When; 
is the monarch who dares resist us? Where is the 
potentate who does not glory in being numbered 
among our attendants ? As for thee, descended 
from a Turcoman sailor, since the vessel of thy un- 
bounded ambition has been wrecked in the gulph of 
thy self-love, it would be proper that thou sbouldst 
take in the sails of thy temerity, and east the anchor 
of repentance in the port of sincerity and justjce, 
which is the port of safety ; lest the tempest of our 
vengeance make thee perish in the sea of the punish- 
ment thou deservest." 



172 zeroises. (Figures, 

It is pleasant to be virtuous and good; because 
that is to excel many others : it is pleasant to grow 
better; because that is to excel ourselves: it is 
pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and 
to keep them in due order, within the bounds of rea- 
son and religion ; because this is empire : nay, it is 
pleasant even to mortify and subdue our lust ; be- 
cause that is victory. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 173 

CHAP. V. 

Violations of the Rules respecting perspicuous and 
accurate writing, promiscuously disposed. 

See the Key, p. 141. 

SECT. I. 

What is human life to all, but a mixture, with 
various cares and troubles, of some scattered joys 
and pleasures ? 

When favours of every kind are conferred speed- 
ily, they are doubled. 

He will soon weary the company, who is himself 
wearied. 

He must endure the follies of others, who will 
have their kindness. 

For the last years of man the first must make pro- 
vision. 

Perpetual light-mindedness must terminate in ig- 
norance. 

In these, and in such like cases, we should, in our 
alms, generally suffer none to be witnesses, but Him 
who must see every thing. 

The reason why he is so badly qualified for the 
business, is because he neglected his studies, and 
opportunities of improvement. 

That Plutarch wrote lives of Demosthenr? and 
Cicero at Chaeronea, it is clear from his own ac- 
count. 

I wish to cultivate your further acquaintance. 

He may probably make the attempt, but he can- 
not possibly succeed. 

No pains were spared by his tutor, in order to bis 
being improved in all useful knowledge. 

In no scene of her life was ever Mary's address 
more remarkablv displaved. 
Q » 



* 7 ^ exercises, (Promiscuous. 

This was the cause which first gave rise to such 
a barbarous practice. 

He craftily endeavoured, by a variety of false in- 
sinuations which he made use of, to turn the em- 
peror to his purpose. 

The beauty in the earth equals the grandeur in 
the heavens. 

In health and vigour of body, and in the state of 
worldly fortune, all rejoice. 

What passes in the hearts of men, is generally un- 
known to the public eye. 

Many associations are united by laws the most 
arbitrary. 

These instances may, it is hoped, be sufficient to 
satisfy every reasonable mind. 

By such general and comprehensive rules as this. 
the clearest ideas are conveyed. 

He determined not to comply with the proposal, 
except he should receive a more ample compensa- 
tion. 

There can be no doubt but that health is prefera- 
ble to riches. 

They declared to their friends, that they believed 
the perusal of such books had ruined their principles. 

John's temper greatly indisposed him for in- 
struction. 

Vegetation is advancing constantly, though no 
eye can trace the steps of its gradation. 

The reason of my consenting to the measure, was 
owing to his importunity. 

I conceived a great regard for him, and could not 
but mourn for his loss. 

The officer apprehended him, and confined him 
in his own house. 

Charlotte, the friend of Amelia, to whom no 
one imputed blame, was too prompt in her vindica- 
rion. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, kc. 175 

Men who are rich and avaricious, lose themselves 
in a spring which might have cherished all around 
them. 

I should prefer him to be rather of slow parts 
than with a bad disposition. 

As soon as Eugenius undertook the care of a 
panish, it immediately engrossed the whole of his 
attention. 

The plan will at once contribute to general con- 
venience, and add to the beauty and elegance of the 
town. 

Together with the national debt, the greatest na- 
tional advantages are also transmitted to succeeding 
generations. 

Their intimacy had commenced in the happier 
period, perhaps, of their youth and obscurity. 

His subject is precisely of that kind, which a 
daring imagination could alone have adopted. 

This emperor conjured the senate, that the purity 
of his reign might not be stained or contaminated 
by the blood even of a guilty senator. 

It is a happy constitution of mind, to be able to 
view successive objects so steadily, as that the more 
may never prevent us from doing justice to the less 
important. 

This activity drew great numbers of enterprising 
men over to Virginia, who came either in search of 
fortune or of liberty, which was the only compen- 
sation for the want of it. 

The erroneous judgment of parents, concerning 
the conduct of schoolmasters, bus crushed the peace 
of many an ingenious man, who engaged in the car* 1 
of youth; and paved the way to the ruin of hopeful 
boys. 

SECT. II, 

Key, p. 143, 

Tin: Greek doubtless is it language which is much 
superior in riches, harmony, and variety, to Latin. 



176 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

Those three great genius's flourished in the same 
period. 

He has made a judicious adaption of the exam- 
ples of the rule. 

This part of knowledge has been always growing, 
and will do so, till the subject be exhausted. 

A boy of twelve years old may study these 
lessons. 

The servant produced from his late master an 
undeniable character. 

I am surprised that so great a philosopher as you 
are, should spend your time in the pursuit of such 
chime pas. 

The ends of a divine and human legislator, are 
vastly different. 

Scarce had the "Spirit of Laws" made its ap- 
pearance, than it was attacked. 

His donation was the more acceptable, that it was 
given without solicitation. 

This subject is an unwelcome intruder, affording 
but an uneasy sensation, and brings with it always 
a mixture of concern and compassion. 

He accordingly draws out his forces, and offers 
battle to Hiero, who immediately accepted it. 

James laid late in bed yesterday, and this morning 
he lays still later. 

The reason of this strange proceeding, will be ac- 
counted for when I make my defence. 

I have observed him often, and his manner of 
proceeding is thus : he enjoins first silence ; and 
then, &c. 

Having not known, or not considered the subject, 
he made a very crude decision. 

They all were deceived by his fair pretences, and 
they all of them lost their property. 

ft is above a year since the time that I left school. 

m 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. I7t 

He was guilty of such atrocious conduct, that he 
was deserted by his friends for good and all. 

No other employment besides a bookseller suited 
his inclination. 

Hereby I am instructed, and thereby I am ho- 
noured. 

I pleaded my good intention ; and after some 
time he assented thereto ; whereby I entirely es- 
caped all punishment. 

This I am disposed to the rather, that it will serve 
to illustrate the principles advanced above. 

From what I have said, you will perceive readily 
the subject I am to proceed upon. 

These are points too trivial to take notice of. 
They are objects I am totally unacquainted with. 

The nearer that men approach each other, the 
more numerous the points of contact in which they 
touch, and the greater their pleasures or pains. 

Thus I have endeavoured to make the subject be 
better understood. 

This is the most useful art of which men are pos- 
sessed. 

The French writers of sermons study neatness in 
laying down their heads. 

There is not any beauty more in one of them than 
in another. 

SECT. III. 

Key, p. 145. 

Study to unite with firmness of principle gentle- 
ness of manners, and affable behaviour with untaint- 
ed integrity. 

In that work, we are every now and then inter- 
rupted with unnatural thoughts. 

Bating one or two expressions, the composition 
is not subject to censure. 

To answer his purpose effectually, he pitched up- 
on a very moving story. 



179 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

I am not able to discover whether these points 
are any how connected. 

These are arguments which cannot be got over 
by all the cavils of infidelity. 

This matter I had a great mind to reply to. 

I hope that I may not be troubled in future, on 
this, or any the like occasions. 

It is difficult to unite together copiousness and 
precision. 

Let us consider of the proper means to effect our 
purpose. 

We must pay attention to what goes before and 
m mediately follows after. 

The more that this track is pursued, the more 
that eloquence is studied, the more shall we be 
guarded against a false taste. 

True believers of every class and denomination 
on earth, make up the church and people of God. 

This is the sum and substance of that which has 
been said on the subject. 

A perfect union of wit and judgment, is one of 
the rarest things in the world. 

Praise, like gold and diamonds, owes to its scar- 
city only its value. 

Intemperance will make life short and sad, though 
it may fire the spirit for an hour. 

From their errors of education, all their miseries 
have proceeded. 

Their disinterestedness of conduct produced ge- 
neral admiration. 

1 viewed the habitation of my departed friend. — 
Venerable shade ! I then gave thee a tear : ac- 
cept now of one cordial drop that falls to thy me- 
mory. 

To-day we are here ; to-morrow we are gone. 

This author is more remarkable for strength of 
sentiment, than harmonious language. 



Promiscuous.) pespicuity, he. 179 

Many persons are more delighted with correct 
and elegant language, than with the importance of 
sentiment and accuracy of reasoning. 

I feel myself grateful to my friend, for all the in- 
stances of his kindness, which he has often mani- 
fested to me. 

It is not from this world that any source of com- 
fort can arise, to cheer the gloom of the last hour. 

SECT. IV. 

Key, p. 147. 

It is dangerous for beauty that is mortal, or for 
terrestrial virtue, to be examined by a light that is 
loo strong for it. 

Beautiful women possess seldom any great ac- 
complishments, because they study behaviour rather 
than solid excellence, for the most part. 

It is to discover the temper of froward children, 
not that of men, far less that of Christians, to fret 
and repine at every disappointment of our wishes. 

It is ordained and decreed by Providence, that 
nothing shall be obtained in our present state, that 
is truly valuable, except it be with difficulty and 
danger. 

Pauses of ease and relaxation, labour necessarily 
requires ; and the deliciousness of ease makes us 
commonly unwilling to return to labour. 

Nothing which is not right can be great ; nothing 
can be suitable to the dignity of the human mind 
which reason condemns. 

We have warm hopes in youth, which are blasted 
soon by negligence and rashness ; and great designs 
which are defeated by inexperience and ignorance 
of the world. 

The haunts of dissipation, by night and day, open 
many a wide and inviting gate to the children of 
idleness and sloth. 

True virtue (as all its parts are connected, piety 



180 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

with morality, charity with justice, benevolence with 
temperance and fortitude,) must form one complete 
and entire system. 

Dissimulation obscures parts and learning ; de- 
grades the lustre of every accomplishment; and 
plunges us into universal contempt. 

Confident as you now are in your assertions, and 
positive as you are in your opinions, be assured the 
time approaches when things and men will appear 
in a different light to you. 

Tn this age of dissipation and luxury in which we 
live, how many avenues are constantly open that 
carry us to the gates of folly ! 

Through extravagance and idleness, and vain in- 
clination of emulating others in the splendid show 
of life, many run into charges exceeding their pro- 
perty. 

Objects are separated from each other, by their 
qualities : they are distinguished by the distance of 
time or place. 

Clarendon, being a man of extensive abilities, 
stored his mind with a variety of ideas; which 
circumstance contributed to the successful exertion 
of his vigorous capacity. 

SECT. V. 

Key, p. 148. 

The most high degree of reverence and attention 
should be paid to youth ; and nothing that is in- 
decent or indelicate should be suffered to approach 
their eyes or their ears. 

He who is blessed with a clear conscience, in the 
worst conjunctures of human life, enjoys an eleva- 
tion of mind peculiar to virtue, as well as dignity 
and peace. 

The hand of industry may change, in a few years, 
the face of a country ; but to alter the sentiments 
and manners of a people, requires often as many 
generations. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &ic» ISi 

When the human mind dwells attentively and 
long upon any subject, the passions are apt to grow 
enthusiastic, interested and warm ; and the under- 
standing which they ought to obey, they often force 
into their service. 

Some years after, being released from prison, by 
reason of his consummate knowledge of civil law, 
and of military affairs, he was exalted to the supreme 
power. 

The discontented man (as his spleen irritates and 
sours his temper, and leads him to discharge its 
venom on all with whom he stands connected,) is 
never found without a great share of malignity. 

We cannot doubt but all the proceedings of Pro- 
vidence will appear as equitable, when fully under- 
stood and completely intelligible, as now they seem 
irregular. 

All that great wealth gives more than a moderate 
fortune, generally is, more room for the freaks of 
caprice, and privilege for ignorance and vice : of 
flatteries a quicker succession, and a larger circle of 
voluptuousness. 

The miscarriages of the great designs of princes 
are recorded in the histories of the world, but are 
of little use to the bulk of mankind, who seem very 
little interested in records of miscarriages which 
cannot happen to them. 

Were there any man who could say, in the course 
of his life, that he had never suffered himself to be 
transported by passion, or had ever given just ground 
of offence to any one, such a man might, when he 
received from others unreasonable treatment, have 
some plea for impatience. 

Christianity will, at some future period, influence 
the conduct of nations as well as individuals. But 
this will be, though its greatest, probably its latest 
triumph : for this can be only brought about through 
the medium of private character; and therefore 
It 



182 exercises. (Promiscuous. 

will be not rapid in its progress, and visible at every 
step; but gradual, and visible when considerable 
effects only have been produced. 

The British constitution stands, like an ancient 
oak in the wood, among the nations of the earth ; 
which, after having overcome many a blast, over- 
tops the other trees of the forest, and commands 
respect and veneration. 

SECT. VI. 

Key, p. 150. 

What an anchor is to a vessel amidst a boisterous 
ocean, on a coast unknown, and in a dark night, that 
is the hope of future happiness to the soul, when be- 
set by the confusions of the world : for in dangers, 
it affords one fixed point of rest ; amidst general 
fluctuation, it gives security. 

Our^ride and self-conceit, (by nourishing a weak 
and childish sensibility to every fancied point of 
our own honour and interest, while they shut up all 
regard to the honour or interest of our brethren, 
render us quarrelsome and contentious. 

If there be any first principles of wisdom, it un- 
doubtedly is this : the distresses that are removable, 
endeavour to remove ; bear with as little disquiet 
as you can, the distresses which cannot be removed ; 
comforts are to be found in every situation and 
condition of life; having found them, enjoy them. 

Instead of aspiring farther than your proper level, 
bring your mind down to your stale ; lest you 
spend your life in a train of fruitless pursuits, by 
aiming too high, and at last bring yourself to an 
entire state of insignificance and contempt. 

Often have we seen, that what we considered as 
a sore disappointment at the time, has proved to be 
a merciful providence in the issue; and that it 
would have been so far from making us happy, if 
what we once eagerly wished for had been obtained, 
tbat it would have produced our ruin. 



Promiscuous.) perspicuity, &c. 183 

Can the stream continue to advance, when it is 
deprived of the fountain ? Can the branch improve, 
when taken from the stock which gave it nourish- 
ment ? Dependent spirits can no more be happy, 
when parted from all union with the Father of spi- 
rits, and the Fountain of happiness. 

Prosperity is redoubled to a good man, by means 
of the generous use which he makes of it ; and it is 
reflected back upon him by every one whom he 
makes happy : for, in the esteem and good-will of 
all who know him, in the gratitude of dependents, 
in the attachment of friends, and the intercourse of 
domestic affection, he sees blessings multiplied round 
him, on every side, 

Whoever would pass, with honour and decency, 
the latter part of life, must consider when he is 
young; that one day he shall be old ; and remember 
that when he is old, he has once been young : he 
must lay up knowledge in youth for his support, 
when his powers of acting shall forsake him ; and 
forbear to animadvert in age, with rigour, on faults 
which experience can alone correct. 

Let us consider that youth is of no long duration : 
and that when the enchantments of fancy in matui- 
er age shall cease, and phantoms no more dance 
about us, we shall have no comforts but wise men's 
esteem, the approbation of our hearts, and the means 
of doing good : and let us live as men that are to 
grow old some time, and to whom of all evils it will 
-be the most dreadful, to count their years past only 
by follies, and to be reminded of their former luxu- 
riance of health, by the maladies only which riot, 
has produced. 



APPENDIX: 

CONTAINING. EXAMPLES, TO ASSIST THE STUDENT IN 
TRANSPOSING THE PARTS OF SENTENCES, AND IN 
VARYING THE FORM OF EXPRESSING A SENTIMENT. 



CHAP. I. 

On transposing the Members of a Sentence. 

The practice of transposing the members of sen- 
tences, is an exercise so useful to young persons, that 
it requires a more particular explanation, than could 
have been properly given in the preceding work. 

A few of the various modes in which the parts of 
a sentence may be arranged, have, therefore, been 
collected; and they are, with other matter, pro- 
duced in the form of an Appendix to the general 
Exercises. By examining them attentively, the stu- 
dent will perceive, in some degree, the nature and 
effect of transposition ; and, by being frequently ex- 
ercised in showing its variety in other sentences, he 
will obtain a facility in the operation ; and a dex- 
terity in discovering and applying, on all occasion?, 
the clearest and most forcible arrangement. By this 
practice, he will also be able more readily to pene- 
trate the meaning of such sentences as are rendered 
obscure and perplexing to most readers, by the ir- 
regular disposition of their parts. 

The first and last forms of each class of examples, 
are to be considered as the least exceptionable. 

The Roman state evidently declined, in propor- 
tion to the increase of luxury. 
K * 



186 APPENDIX. 

The Roman state, in proportion to the increase 
of luxury, evidently declined. 

In proportion to the increase of luxury, the Ro- 
man state evidently declined. 

I am willing to remit all that is past, provided it 
may be done with safety. 

1 am willing, provided it may be done with safety, 
to remit all that is past. 

Provided it may be done with safety, I am willing 
to remit all that is past. 

That greatness of mind which shows itself in dan- 
gers and labours, if it wants justice, is blamable. 

If that greatness of mind, which shows itself in 
dangers and labours, is void of justice, it i^blamable. 
That greatness of mind is blamable, which shows 
itself in dangers and labours, if it wants justice. 

If that greatness of mind is void of justice, which 
shows itself in dangers and labours, it is blamable. 

That greatness of mind is blamable, if it is void 
of justice, which shows itself in dangers and labours. 
If it wants justice, that greatness of mind, which 
shows itself in dangers and labours, is blamable. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will make ordef, at last, to arise from the seem- 
ing confusion of the world. 

From the seeming confusion of the world, He who 
made light to spring from primeval darkness, will 
make order, at last, to arise. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will, from the seeming confusion of the world, 
make order at last, to arise. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness, will, at last, from the seeming confusion of 
the world, make order to arise. 

He will make order, at last, to arise from the seem- 
ing confusion of the world, wjio made light to spring 
ivoni primeval darkness. 



APPENDIX. 18? 

From the seeming confusion of the world, He 
will make order, at last, to arise, who made light to 
spring from primeval darkness. 

He who made light to spring from primeval dark- 
ness will, at last, make order to arise, from the seem- 
ing confusion of this world. 

Whoever considers the uncertainty of human af- 
fairs, and how frequently the greatest hopes are 
frustrated ; will see just reason to be always on his 
guard, and not to place too much dependence on 
things so precarious. 

He will see just reason to be always on his guard, 
and not to place too much dependence on the pre- 
carious things of time ; who considers the uncer- 
tainty of human affairs, and how often the greatest 
hopes are frustrated. 

Let us not conclude, while dangers are at a dis- 
tance, and do not immediately approach us, that we 
are secure ; unless we use the necessary precaution 
to prevent them. 

Unless we use the necessary precautions to pre- 
vent dangers, let us not conclude, while they are at a 
distance, and do not immediately approach us, that 
we-are secure. 

Unless we use the necessary precautions to pre- 
vent dangers, let us not conclude that we are secure, 
while they are at a distance, and do not immediately 
approach us. 

Let us not conclude that we are secure, while 
dangers are at a distance, and do not immediately 
approach us, unless we use the necessary precautions 
to prevent them. 

While dangers are at a distance, and do not im- 
mediately approach us, let us not conclude, that we 
are secure, unless we use the necessary precautions 
> to prevent them. 

Those things which appear great to one who 
knows nothing greater, will sink into a diminutive 



188 APPENDIX. 

size, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature. 

When one becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature, those things which appeared great to 
him whilst he knew nothing greater, will sink into 
a diminutive size. 

To one who knows nothing greater, those things 
which then appear great, will sink into a diminutive 
size, when he becomes acquainted with objects of a 
higher nature. 



CHAP. II. 

On variety of expression. 

Besides the practice of transposing the parts of 
sentences, the Compiler recommends to tutors, fre- 
quently to exercise their pupils, in exhibiting some 
of the various modes, in which the same sentiment 
may be properly expressed. This practice will ex- 
tend their knowledge of the language, afford a va- 
riety of expressions, and habituate them to deliver 
their sentiments with clearness, ease, and propriety. 
It will likewise enable those who may be engaged 
in studying other languages not only to construe 
them with more facility, into English; but also to 
observe and apply more readily, many of the turns 
and phrases, which are best adapted to the genius 
of those languages. A few examples of this kind 
of exercise, will be sufficient to explain the nature 
of it, and to show its utility. 

The brother deserved censure more than his 
sister. 

The sister was less reprehensible than her brother, 



APPENDIX. 189 

The sister did not deserve reprehension, so much 
as her brother. 

Reproof was more due to the brother, than to the 
sister. 

I will attend the conference, if I can do it conve- 
niently. 

I intend to be at the conference, unless it should 
be inconvenient. 

If I can do it with convenience, I purpose to be 
present at the conference. 

If it can be done without inconvenience, I shall 
not fail to attend the conference. 

I shall not absent myself from the conference un- 
less circumstances render it necessary. 

He who lives always in the bustle of the world, 
lives in a perpetual warfare. 

To live continually in the bustle of the world, is 
to live in perpetual warfare. 

By living constantly in the bustle of the world, 
our life becomes a scene of contention. 

It is a continual warfare, to live perpetually in the 
bustle of the world. 

The hurry of the world to him who always lives 
in it, is a perpetual conflict. 

They who are constantly engaged in the tumults 
of the world, are strangers to the blessings of peace. 

The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness 
and affability. 

Gentleness and affability are the genuine effects of 
true religion. 

True religion teaches us to be gentle and affable. 

Genuine religion will never produce an austere 
temper, or a rough demeanor. 

Harshness of manners and want of condescension, 
are opposite to the spirit of true religion. 



190 APPENDIX. 

Industry is not only the instrument of improve- ■ 
ment, but the foundation of pleasure. 

Industry produces both improvement and plea- 
sure. 

Improvement and pleasure are the products of 
industry. 

The common attendants on idleness are igno- 
rance and misery. 

Valerius passed several laws, abridging the power 
of the senate, and extending that of the people. 

Several laws were passed by Valerius, which 
abridged the power of the senate, and extended that 
of the people. 

The power of the senate was abridged, and that 
of the people extended, by several laws passed dur- 
ing the consulship of Valerius. 

The advantages of this world, even when inno- 
cently gained, are uncertain blessings. 

If the advantages of this world were innocently 
gained, they are still uncertain blessings. 

We may indeed innocently gain the advantages 
of this world ; but even then they are uncertain 
blessings. 

Uncertainty attends all the advantages of this 
world, not excepting those which are innocently 
acquired. 

The blessings which we derive from the advan- 
tages of this world, are not secure, even when they 
are innocently gained. 

When you behold wicked men multiplying in 
number, and increasing in power, imagine not that 
Providence particularly favours them. 

When wicked men are observed to multiply in 
number, and increase in power, we are not to sup- 
pose that they are particularly favoured by Pro- 
vidence. 



APPENDIX. 191 

From the increase and prosperity of the wicked, 
we must not infer that they are the favourites of 
Providence. 

Charity consists not in speculative ideas of general 
benevolence, floating in the head, and leaving the 
heart, as speculations too often do, untouched and 
cold. 

Speculative ideas of general benevolence, do not 
form the virtue of charity, for these often float in the 
head, and leave the heart untouched and cold. 

Speculations which leave the heart unaffected and 
cold, though they may consist of general benevolence 
floating in the head, do not form the great virtue of 
charity. 

Universal benevolence to mankind, when it rests 
in the abstract, does not constitute the noble virtue 
of charity. It is then a loose indeterminate idea, 
rather than a principle of real effect : and floats as a 
useless speculation in the head, instead of affecting 
the temper and the' heart. 

A wolf let into the sheepfold will devour the 
sheep. 

If we let a wolf into the fold, the sheep will be 
devoured. 

The wolf will devour the sheep, if the sheepfold 
be left open. 

A wolf being let into the sheepfold, the sheep 
will be devoured. 

If the fold be not left carefully shut, the wolf will 
devour the sheep. 

There is no defence of the sheep from the wolf, 
unless it be kept out of the fold. 

A slaughter will be made amongst the sheep, if 
the wolf can get into the fold. 

The preceding examples show that the form of 
expressing a sentiment may be properly varied by 
turning the active voice of verbs into the passive. 



1921 APPENDIX. 

and the nominative case of nouns into the objective ; 
by altering the connexion of short sentences, by dif- 
ferent adverbs and conjunctions, and by the use of 
prepositions ; by applying adjectives and adverbs 
instead of substantives, and vice versa ; by using the 
case absolute in place of the nominative and verb, 
and the participle instead of the verb ; by reversing 
the correspondent parts of the sentence ; and by the 
negation of the contrary, instead of the assertion of 
the thing first proposed. By these, and other modes 
of expression, a great variety of forms of speech, 
exactly or nearly of the same import, may be pro- 
duced ; and the young student furnished with a con- 
siderable store for his selection and use. 

When the business of transposing the parts of sen- 
tences, and of varying the forms of expression, be- 
comes familiar to the student, he may be employed 
in reducing the particulars of a few pages, to gene- 
ral heads , and in expanding sentiments generally 
expressed, into their correspondent particulars; and 
by making these operations more or less general, 
and more or less particular, a considerable variety 
will be introduced into this part of the Exercises. 

An employment of the kind here proposed, will 
not only make the learner skilful in the meaning and 
application of terms, and in the nature of a concise 
and of a copious style ; but it will also teach him to 
think with order and attention ; to contract or ex- 
pand his views at pleasure ; and to digest the senti- 
ments of other persons, or his own, in the manner 
best adapted to assist his judgment and memory. 



THE END, 



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